Greek Terms

Question 1

Dionysus

Answer 1

• God of wine and fertility and theatre

Question 2

Anagnorisis (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 2

• The point in a play when a principal character recognises another principal character’s true aims

Question 3

Antistrophe (Structure of dialogue)

Answer 3

• The second section of an Ancient Greek choral ode or of one division of it

Question 4

Catharsis (Concepts of Greek tragedy) and examples

Answer 4

• The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions

Creon’s tragic flaw hubris causes his catharsis at the end

Haemon and Eurydice’s deaths = lost everything, complete breakdown and blames himself

Audience catharsis too Antigone, Haemon and Eurydice all died for Antigone’s righteous pride.

Question 5

Choragus (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 5

• Leader of the chorus

Question 6

Exodus (Structure of play)

Answer 6

• A mass departure of people

Question 7

Hamartia (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 7

• A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine

Question 8

Hamartia (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 8

• A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a tragic hero or heroine

Question 9

Hubris (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 9

• Excessive pride or arrogance that results in the downfall of the protagonist of a tragedy

Question 10

Ode (Structure of play)

Answer 10

• A lyric poem usually marked by serious, respectful, and exalted feelings toward the
  subject

Question 11

Paean (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 11

• A song of praise or triumph

Question 12

Parados (Staging/design terminology)

Answer 12

• Entrance for the chorus (or actors)

Question 13

Peripeteia (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 13

• A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, especially in reference to
  fictional narrative

Question 14

Prologue (Structure of play)

Answer 14

• A separate introductory section of a literary or musical work

Question 15

Scene (Structure of play)

Answer 15

• A real or fictional episode; a division of an act in a play

Question 16

Strophe (Structure of dialogue)

Answer 16

• The first section of an ancient Greek choral ode or of one division of it

Question 17

Tragedy (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 17

• A play dealing with tragic events and having an unhappy ending, especially one
  concerning the downfall of the main character

Question 18

Tragic Flaw (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 18

• A weakness or limitation of character, resulting in the fall of the tragic hero

Question 19

Tragic Hero (Concepts of Greek tragedy)

Answer 19

• A protagonist with a fatal flaw which eventually leads to his/her demise

Question 20

Skene (Staging/design terminology)

Answer 20

The skene was a building situated behind the stage area in ancient Greek theatres. It served as a backdrop for the action and often had doors or windows through which actors could enter and exit. The term “skene” originally referred to the tent or hut used by actors in early Greek theatre, but over time it evolved into a more permanent structure that became an integral part of the stage design.

Question 21

Proskenion (Staging/design terminology)

Answer 21

The proskenion was the part of the theatre stage that stood in front of the skene. It was essentially a raised platform where the actors performed, and it was often decorated to reflect the setting of the play. The proskenion served as the primary acting area and was distinct from the chorus, which performed in the orchestra.

Question 22

Stasima (structure of play)

Answer 22

Stasima (or stasimon) are choral odes in Greek tragedy that are performed by the chorus while they are standing still (as opposed to moving around, which is why they are called “standing odes”). These odes typically comment on the action of the play or reflect on themes and are interspersed between the episodes (scenes of dialogue).

Question 23

Episodes (Structure of play)

Answer 23

Episodes are the individual scenes or acts within a Greek tragedy. They involve dialogue and action between the characters and serve to advance the plot. Episodes are separated by choral odes (stasima) and are key to the development of the dramatic narrative.

Question 24

Stichomythia (Structure of dialogue) and examples

Answer 24

Stichomythia is a dramatic technique used in Greek theatre where characters engage in rapid, alternating lines of dialogue, often in a back-and-forth pattern. This method is used to heighten tension or to reveal conflict and sharp wit between characters.

Haemon vs Creon
Effect = powerful
Tension, engaging

Antigone vs Ismene (contrast of firmness vs questions)

Question 25

Agon (Concepts of Greek tragedy) and examples

Answer 25

Struggle or competition

Antigone vs Creon
Creon vs Haemon