Unit 9: Classical Theatre: Terms

Question 1

Aeschylus:

Answer 1

The earliest Greek tragedian whose surviving works include The Agamemnon . He expanded the number of actors on stage and introduced elaborate dramatic conflicts. His plays emphasize fate, justice, and divine will.

Question 2

Aristophanes

Answer 2

A playwright of Old Comedy known for political and social satire. His works, including Lysistrata and The Clouds, mock Athenian democracy, war, and intellectuals. He used humor to critique contemporary issues.

Question 3

City Dionysia

Answer 3

A major Athenian festival honoring Dionysus, featuring dramatic competitions. Playwrights presented tragedies, comedies, and satyr plays before large audiences. It played a key role in the development of Greek theatre.

Question 4

Euripides:

Answer 4

A tragedian known for complex characters and psychological depth. His plays, such as Medea and The Bacchae, challenged traditional values and explored human emotions. He often questioned the role of gods and fate.

Question 5

Greek theatre

Answer 5

A blend of religious ritual and artistic performance, staged in large amphitheaters. It included tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays, with masked actors and a chorus. Themes often reflected civic and moral concerns.

Question 6

Classical tragedy:

Answer 6

A dramatic form centered on noble characters facing fate, moral struggles, and downfall. It evoked pity and fear, leading to catharsis. Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides were its leading playwrights.

Question 7

Lysistrata:

Answer 7

A comedy by Aristophanes in which women from Athens and Sparta unite to end war by withholding sex from their husbands. It satirizes gender roles, war, and political leadership. The play remains a powerful anti-war statement.

Question 8

Old Comedy:

Answer 8

A genre of Greek comedy known for satire, political and social critique, and absurd humor. It featured exaggerated characters, crude jokes, and direct audience interaction. Aristophanes was its most famous playwright.

Question 9

Satyr play:

Answer 9

A short, comic play performed after a trilogy of tragedies at the City Dionysia. It featured bawdy humor, mythical settings, and satyrs as characters. These plays provided comic relief after serious tragedies.

Question 10

Sophocles:

Answer 10

A major Greek tragedian who refined dramatic structure and character development. His famous plays, including Oedipus Rex and Antigone, explored fate, free will, and moral dilemmas. He introduced the third actor to drama.