2. Background to Greek Drama

3. Tragedy Comes from the Greek word tragoidia, based on tragos, “goat,” and “aeidein, “to sing.” Literally-- “goat song” At all dramatic festivals, the prize for the best chorus was a goat.

4. Out of Ritual Drama grew out of religious rituals honoring Dionysos, the god of wine and fertility. According to myth, Dionysos suffered, died, and was resurrected. Early tragedies imitate this cycle of despair followed by the ecstasy of enlightenment. One actor took several roles and conversed with the chorus between performances. Taught a moral lesson.

5. Thespis The celebrations developed into an annual festival held in Athens. Worshipers began competing for prizes. *Thespis transformed these hymns into songs that still honored Dionysos, but also told the story of a famous hero. * Thespis further changed the format format by having one chorus memmber member step away from the others to play the part of a hero or a god. The celebrations developed into an annual festival held in Athens. Worshipers began competing for prizes. *Thespis transformed these hymns into songs that still honored Dionysos, but also told the story of a famous hero. * Thespis further changed the format format by having one chorus memmber member step away from the others to play the part of a hero or a god.

6. Sophocles Born in Athens in 497 B.C., Sophocles was the most well-known of Greek dramatists. Known for deeper development of characters in his plays. Sophocles used his plays to highlight political and social injustices. Most famous works—Theban plays, or The Oedipus Cycle.

7. Social and Political Climate of Athens, 5 th century B.C. Athenian government was an exclusive democracy. Participation limited—women, slaves, and other “non-citizens” were excluded. Young women were considered wild and unpredictable in Athenian society. Men would not have sympathized with a female character who defied authority.

8. The ancient Greeks were polytheistic. Strong belief in Fate as a divine force. Used oracles, omens, dreams, and soothsayers to understand the will of the gods. Important religious duty— burial of dead relatives. Unburied soul could not cross river Styx into Hades.

9. Stage Conventions of Greek Theater All male actors Use of “three unities” : Unity of time—all action took place within 24 hours Unity of place—action limited to one setting Unity of subject—focus on one main character (no sub-plots)

10. Stage Conventions of Greek Theater Use of chorus: Fifteen to twenty men who represented citizens Always on stage Danced and sang Leader of chorus, Choragos, carried on dialogue with the main characters or rest of chorus.

11. The Oedipus Myth King Laios and Queen Jocasta of Thebes learn from an oracle that their baby son would eventually kill his father and marry his mother. Give their baby to a shepherd with orders to leave the infant to die. Shepherd pities the child. Instead of abandoning the child, he gives him to the childless king and queen of Corinth.

12. The Oedipus Myth As a young man, Oedipus learns of the prophecy. He runs away from Corinth in order to prevent the death of his supposed father. Arrogant old man tries to run him over with a chariot. Because honor was at stake, the two men fought, and Oedipus killed the stranger.

13. The Oedipus Myth At the outskirts of Thebes, Oedipus encounters the Sphinx. The Sphinx had been menacing Thebes by ambushing travelers and challenging them to a riddle. If they could answer correctly, they could proceed. Fail, and the Sphinx devoured them.

14. The Riddle What creature goes on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?

15. The Oedipus Myth Oedipus answers correctly, and enters Thebes as a hero. Laios, their king, had recently been killed. The people offer the throne and their widowed queen, Jocasta, to Oedipus. They marry and have four children: Polyneices, Eteocles, Antigone, and Ismene.

16. The Oedipus Myth A plague strikes Thebes. An oracle warns that the plague won’t end until the murderer of King Laios is found. Oedipus swears that he will find the killer. The blind prophet Teiresias tells Oedipus the truth.

17. The Oedipus Myth After learning the truth, Jocasta kills herself. Oedipus gouges out his eyes. Oedipus’ sons, Eteocles and Polyneices fight over the vacant throne and kill each other. Antigone begins.