1. Greek Tragedies and Oedipus Rex

2. KEY TERMS Theater- “that which is seen” Drama- “acting out” Tragedy- drama in which a hero experiences a downfall that results from his tragic flaw or character weakness Comedy- drama that used satire (derived from characters called satyrs), wit, and often ridiculed celebrated figures.

3. In medias res: “In the middle of the action.” Oedipus Rex begins after Oedipus’s prophecy has already been fulfilled Chorus- a group of actors who sing odes or chants in a collective voice in Greek drama

4. Function of the Chorus in Greek Drama Gives advice; takes part in the action Establishes ethical framework; sets the moral standard Ideal spectator- reacts as playwright hopes audience will Sets mood and heightens suspense Adds movement, song, and dance Paces the action so that the audience can reflect on what has happened

5. Origin of Drama Greek plays began as religious rituals honoring Dionysus (god of wine, fertility and procreation) “ecstasis”- an altered mental state from uninhibited dancing and emotional displays. – Greeks saw drama as a way of releasing powerful emotions through the ritualistic sacrifice of the tragic hero. At first, plays only consisted of a chorus narrating the god’s life in song. Eventually, plays evolved in to more complex reenactments of well-known myths

6. Golden Age of Greek Theater (600-200 BC) Thespis- wrote formal lyrics for the dithyramb and is credited with the invention of the actor. This protagonist interacted with the chorus, hence the term thespian. Drama competitions were instituted in 534 BCE. Plays were performed in the daytime and competitions were spread over several days. Masks were worn that exaggerated facial expressions and aided in acoustics.

7. The Use of Masks Masks were used instead of costume changes since only 3 actors played all of the roles Masks had exaggerated facial expressions to show emotion They also acted as megaphones

8. Physical Space The Golden Age of Greek theater was defined by amphitheaters with wooden spectator stands built into hillsides that encircled a platform in which the chorus would stand and move. As theater evolved, action of the play moved from primarily the chorus in the orchestra area to the actors on the stage.

9. Physical Space Theatron “watching space”- spectator area Orchestra “dancing area”- circular location for the chorus between the stage and theatron Logeion- staging area to separate actors from chorus Skene- simply means “tent” or “hut” and represented palaces or houses around which plays were set; became the basis of modern scenery.

12. Theater at Delphi

13. Tragedy Tragedy: A work of dramatic literature that shows the downfall of a person (that person is known as the tragic hero) Tragedies explore powerful emotions, such as love, hate, revenge, and loyalty According to Aristotle, a tragedy triggers TWO main emotions in the audience: 1.Pity – we feel sympathy for the hero’s suffering 2.Fear – We fear for him and for ourselves

14. Greek Tragedy Structure The basic structure of a Greek tragedy is fairly simple: 1.The prologue (background information) is spoken by one or more characters. 2.The chorus enters and sings the Parados (opening song) while dancing 3.“Episode” = spoken section (dialogue takes place between actors. Like a “scene”) 4.Stasimon = (Choral Ode) Actors leave the stage and the chorus dances and sings a Stasimon, or choral ode, which explains or comments on the action of the play so far

15. 5.There are several “episodes,” each separated by a Stasimon in between. 6.Exodos: At the end of play, the chorus exits singing a processional song which usually offers words of wisdom related to the actions and outcome of the play.

16. THE TRAGIC HERO TRAGIC HERO: The protagonist of a tragedy. He usually has the following characteristics: – He is of high birth or noble status (royalty) – He is a brilliant leader who has gained the love and respect of his people – The tragic hero is NOT perfect! We have to be able to see him as someone “like” us, just in a higher position in society – Therefore, the tragic hero MUST have tragic flaw

17. ELEMENTS OF A TRAGEDY 1.TRAGIC FLAW (hamartia) – a character weakness that the (tragic hero) possesses that causes his downfall – The hero's downfall, therefore, is partially her/his own fault, the result of his own actions (rather than evil, outside forces)

18. 2.REVERSAL (Parapeteia- ). Because of his tragic error, the hero suffers a downfall from his respected position of leadership/royalty to suffering and misery. 3.RECOGNITION (Anagnoresis- ). The hero realizes that his own flaw or error has caused his reversal. This recognition always occurs too late for the hero to prevent or escape his reversal. 4.PATHOS: the audience must feel pain from sympathy for the hero 5.CATHARSIS: release/cleansing of emotions

19. Oedipus the King

20. SOPHOCLES: The Playwright

21. Sophocles Background He was born a mile northwest of Athens in 496 B.C. in a town called Colonus. He was born to a wealthy family, and was well- educated Career as a dramatist began when he entered the Dionysia theatrical competition in 468 BC. He won 1 st prize. Over his lifetime, he wrote over 120 plays Sophocles died about year 405.

22. Sophocles: Contribution to Greek Theater Sophocles contributed many innovations to the Greek theater: 1.Increased the number of people in the chorus 2.Introduced a 3 rd speaking part, allowing for more complex dialogue 3.Expanded use of machinery and sets (“special effects”) Example: Using a crane to lower actors on stage to simulate gods coming down from sky

23. Oedipus: Tragic Hero, King of Thebes, son of Laius and Jocasta, husband of Jocasta, murderer of Laius Jocasta: Queen of Thebes; husband is killed before story begins and she marries Oedipus Creon: brother of Queen Jocasta; brother-in- law/uncle to Oedipus Tiresias - Tiresias, the old blind prophet of Thebes Antigone and Ismene: daughters of Oedipus and Jocasta

24. Laius: Oedipus’ father; former King of Thebes and former husband of Jocasta (until he was killed by Oedipus) Polybus: Oedipus’ adoptive father, King of Corinth Merope: Oedipus’ adoptive mother, Queen of Corinth Mt. Kithairon: Mountain that baby Oedipus was supposed to be left on to die

25. Oedipus Rex: Things To Be Looking For (themes, motifs, literary devices, etc.): Sight v Blindness Fate v Free Will Wisdom v Knowledge The Crossroads Power Determination Irony (dramatic, verbal, situational)

26. LAIOS JOCASTA OEDIPUS MARRIED CREON SIBLINGS UNCLE POLYNEICES ETEOCLES ANTIGONE ISMENE SIBLINGS SON MARRIED KILL EACH OTHER IN BATTLE ENGAGED