1. Oedipus the King By Sophocles
Greek Drama
Oedipus the King
By Sophocles

2. Drama A form of literature acted out by performers. Elements:
*dialogue – characters talk to each other
*action – what the characters do in the play
*gesture – what the character shows through motion(s) and expression(s)

3. Two Types of Drama
Tragedy – a serious, solemn play based on an important social, personal, or religious issue
Comedy – a play that shows the humorous actions of characters when they try to solve social, personal, or religious problems.

4. Ancient Tragedy
Invented by the ancient Greeks to show the actions of a tragic hero or heroine.
Example: Oedipus the King

5. Tragic Hero/Heroine The protagonist, or main character, in a play.
Aspects of the Greek Tragic Hero:
He must be of noble birth or hold an important social position
He is generally virtuous
He has a desire to do good deeds
He dies in the end of the play

6. Tragic Hero continued. . .
The hero/heroine seems better than the other characters, but there is a fate which overpowers this good character.
Poor judgment by the protagonist causes a fall from grace and social ranking.
Poor judgment is a tragic flaw or error called hamartia. It leads to personal catastrophe and unintended harm to others.

7. Hubris Excessive pride or arrogance
Most common type of hamartia (fatal flaw)

8. Human Fallibility
Learning from the mistakes of others was an important part of Greek tragedy.

9. Aspects of Tragedy in Greek Drama
Crisis of feeling – painful or harmful experience that may upset or depress the audience.
Catharsis/purgation – the audience cleanses their emotions.
Reversal/peripeteia – the hero/heroine goes through a significant change in fortune. Reversal may happen after a discovery (anagnorisis) or a recognition of something not previously known by the character.

10. Aspects of Drama Setting Structure Characterization Theme
Dramatic Irony

11. Setting Scenic designs and props Costumes Lighting – outside sources
Orchestra – the performance and dancing area for actors and the chorus, which was utilized by Greek theater to inform audiences of what happens “off stage.”

13. Structure
Ancient Greek drama did not use acts and scenes, but had a system of divisions:
Prologue – the introductory speech given to the audience
Parados – entry of the chorus –the parados is the song chanted by the chorus on their entry.
Episodes – there are usually four or five episodes consisting of dialogue and action that takes place in one location at one time.

14. Structure continued . . .
Each episode is separated by a choric interlude
Choric interlude – immediately follows each episode – performed by the chorus. They serve to comment on the character’s actions, express emotion, and explain the plot. Also, because Greek theatre had no curtain, the interludes indicate a change in scene.

15. Choric interlude continued . . .
Strophe and antistrophe – terms used to describe the movement from one side of the stage to the other.
Exodus – The final scene and resolution

16. Dramatic Irony
The contrast between what the character thinks the truth is and what the audience knows the truth to be. This occurs when the speaker fails to recognize the irony of his actions.

17. Characteristics of the Chorus
Group of approximately 15 men
Sang lyric poetry and danced to musical accompaniment
Were unpaid, drawn from the citizens at large
Performing was regarded as civic duty
Were trained and costumed
Wore the dress of the people they represented and wore light masks

18. Functions of the Chorus
Provided a link from the audience to actors, responding to the play in a manner the playwright hoped the audience would respond – the ideal spectator
Provided tension release
Reflected upon what happened, pondered what might happen, and asked questions
At times, advised central characters
Functioned as the conscience of the people

19. Functions of the chorus continued…
Helped to establish mood and to heighten the dramatic moments
Added theatricality to performances
Established pacing of the play
Separated scene of action from one another
Usually through a leader as spokesperson, could interact with central characters.