1. The Greek Theater

2. Origins of Greek Tragedy A. Early 700s B.C. 1. Tragedy comes from two Greek words: TRAGOI and OIDE meaning… GOAT and SONG 2. It was a celebration of the harvest honoring the Greek god Dionysus in hopes of a good crop

3. Origins of Greek Tragedy 3. The Satyrs: 1/2 man and 1/2 goat servants to Dionysus. 4. The celebration consisted of men dressed as Satyrs doing improvised dance and song—not a dignified celebration. The band of men were normally drunk.

4. Origins of Greek Tragedy 5. Thespis, “the father of Greek Drama,” brings order and structure to this drunken rampage. Thus creating the first plays.

5. Origins of Greek Tragedy B. Aristotle 1. The Poetics was Aristotle’s criticism of poetry and drama. 2. Tragedy “is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude…with incidents arousing pity and fear” (Poetics).

6. Origins of Greek Tragedy 3. Tragedy should contain six key elements a. Plot *most important element b. Character (development must be consistent) c. Thought (must be consistent) d. Language (diction) e. Melody (music or song) f. Spectacle (scenery, props, costume) *least important element

7. Origins of Greek Tragedy C. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero 1. This is a character that has the potential for greatness but is doomed to fail

8. Origins of Greek Tragedy 2. Aristotle’s Tragic Hero must contain the following qualities: a. Must come from a high and lofty position royal family, wealthy family, noble family, military hero, etc royal family, wealthy family, noble family, military hero, etc b. Noble in nature but imperfect so the audience can see themselves in him: simply, the character is neither too good nor too bad simply, the character is neither too good nor too bad

9. Origins of Greek Tragedy c. Must have a tragic flaw cause of the downfall not noticeable at first by the character cause of the downfall not noticeable at first by the character suffers more than he deserves suffers more than he deserves d. Accepts his fate d. Accepts his fate The character must discover and recognize his flaw and understand his fate was brought about by his own actions The character must discover and recognize his flaw and understand his fate was brought about by his own actions