Greek Tradgedy Terms (part 2)

Question 1

What is a tragic hero?

Answer 1

A character, usually of high birth, neither totally good nor totally evil, whose downfall is brought about by some weakness or error in judgment (hamartia)

The tragic hero’s journey often reflects the complexities of human nature and moral dilemmas.

Question 2

What defines a Sophoclean tragic hero?

Answer 2

• A great figure strangely out of tune with their own times
• Plagued or doomed by fate or the mysterious will of the gods
• Experiences a reversal of fortune (peripetia) and loses everything important
• Has a readiness to die rather than surrender
• Meets suffering and death with a greatness of soul

This archetype emphasizes the tragic consequences of fate and individual choices.

Question 3

What does ‘Oikos’ refer to in Greek tragedy?

Answer 3

‘Home,’ represents the concept of the household dominated by women and kinship

The Oikos is central to family and domestic life, contrasting with the public sphere.

Question 4

What is the meaning of ‘Polis’?

Answer 4

‘City,’ represents the concept of the collective city-state dominated by men and power/money

The Polis signifies civic responsibility and public life.

Question 5

Define ‘Logos’ in the context of persuasion.

Answer 5

Persuading with reason

Logos appeals to logic and rationality in arguments.

Question 6

What does ‘Pathos’ signify?

Answer 6

Persuading with emotion

Pathos targets the audience’s feelings to elicit an emotional response.

Question 7

What is ‘Ethos’?

Answer 7

Persuading through a speaker’s authority/credibility

Ethos relies on the character and credibility of the speaker to convince the audience.

Question 8

What is ‘Hamartia’?

Answer 8

A tragic flaw, weakness of character, or error in judgment, which causes the downfall of the hero

Hamartia is a crucial element in the development of a tragic narrative.

Question 9

What is ‘Hubris’?

Answer 9

Arrogance or overweening pride which causes the hero’s transgression against the gods; usually the tragic flaw

Hubris often leads to the hero’s downfall due to a failure to recognize limitations.

Question 10

What does ‘Anagnorisis’ mean?

Answer 10

Some recognition or discovery on the part of the hero; change from ignorance to knowledge

Anagnorisis is often a pivotal moment in the narrative, leading to character development.

Question 11

Define ‘Peripeteia’.

Answer 11

A sudden reversal of fortune or circumstances for a character

Peripeteia marks significant turning points in the plot.