Paper 2 Key Terminology

Question 1

Catharsis

Answer 1

Purgation or purification of emotions; release or relief from strong/repressed emotions

Question 2

Hamartia

Answer 2

A fatal flaw leading to the downfall of a character

Question 3

Anagnorisis

Answer 3

Revelation of the true identity of person’s previously unknown

Question 4

Hubris

Answer 4

Extreme pride and arrogance shown by a character, which ultimately brings about his downfall.

Question 5

Peripeteia

Answer 5

A sudden or unexpected reversal of circumstances or situation

Question 6

Phobos

Answer 6

Appeal to fear

Question 7

Eleos

Answer 7

Appeal to emotions

Question 8

Tautology

Answer 8

Repeating words with the same meaning

Question 9

Memento mori

Answer 9

An object that reminds us of death and man’s inescapable mortality

Question 10

Deus ex machina

Answer 10

Problem is finally resolved, God descending (Greek)

Question 11

Agon

Answer 11

Conflict, struggle or contest

Question 12

Stichomythia

Answer 12

Dialogue in which the endings and the beginnings of each line echo each other, taking on a new meaning in each line

Question 13

Rhesus

Answer 13

A speech or monologue delivered by a character in Greek dramas

Question 14

Exodos

Answer 14

The final scene or departure