Αρχαία Ελληνική Τραγωδία

• Greek tragedy was a popular and influential form of drama performed in ancient Greece
• It flourished from around the 6th century BCE
• The most famous playwrights of Greek tragedies are Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides
• These plays explored themes of love, loss, pride, abuse of power, and the fraught relationships between humans and the gods
• Performances were typically part of religious festivals, particularly those honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility

Structure of Greek Tragedy

• Prologue: The opening of the play, which sets the scene and provides background information
• Parodos: The entrance of the chorus, who usually sing and dance, providing commentary on the events of the play
• Episodes: The main action of the play, divided into several episodes, where the characters interact through dialogue
• Stasima: Choral odes that follow each episode, in which the chorus reflects on the events that have taken place
• Exodos: The concluding scene of the play, in which the resolution is presented and the characters exit

Prologue

• The prologue is the introductory part of a Greek tragedy
• It provides the audience with the necessary background information to understand the play
• It often sets the scene, introduces the main characters, and outlines the central conflict
• The prologue is typically delivered by a single actor, or sometimes by two actors in dialogue

Parodos

• The parodos is the entrance of the chorus in a Greek tragedy
• The chorus is a group of performers who sing, dance, and comment on the action of the play
• Their entrance is usually marked by a choral ode, which is a lyrical song that provides commentary and sets the tone for the play
• The parodos serves to introduce the chorus to the audience and establish their role in the drama

Episodes

• The episodes are the main scenes of action in a Greek tragedy
• The main characters engage in dialogue and develop the plot
• Episodes are typically divided by choral odes (stasima)

Stasima

• The stasima are choral odes sung by the chorus in a Greek tragedy
• The chorus comments on the events of the play and providing insight into the themes and characters
• The stasima often include reflections on the nature of fate, justice, and the human condition
• The stasima are typically performed between episodes

Exodos

• The exodos is the concluding scene of a Greek tragedy
• The resolution of the play is presented
• Characters leave the stage
• The exodos often includes a final reflection on the events of the play, delivered by the chorus or a main character
• The ending often emphasizes the lessons learned or the moral implications of the tragedy

Elements of Greek Tragedy

• Hamartia: A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of the protagonist
• Hubris: Excessive pride or arrogance, often displayed by the protagonist, that leads to their downfall
• Catharsis: The purging of emotions (such as pity and fear) experienced by the audience as a result of witnessing the tragedy
• Peripeteia: A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances for the protagonist
• Anagnorisis: A moment of recognition or discovery by the protagonist, in which they realize the truth about themselves or their situation
• Pathos: A quality that evokes pity or sadness

Hamartia

• Hamartia represents a tragic flaw or error in judgment
• This flaw ultimately leads to the downfall of the protagonist
• It is not simply a character defect but a mistake that has significant consequences
• Often, the hamartia is rooted in human limitations or moral failings
• Examples include pride, ignorance, or impulsiveness

Hubris

• Hubris is excessive pride or arrogance
• It is a common characteristic of tragic heroes in Greek drama.
• Often displayed by a protagonist
• It ultimately leads to their downfall
• Hubris often involves defiance of the gods or moral principles
• It sets the stage for the tragic consequences

Catharsis

• Catharsis is the emotional release experienced by the audience during a tragedy
• It involves the purging of emotions such as pity, fear, and sorrow
• Catharsis is achieved through witnessing the suffering and downfall of the protagonist
• Catharsis serves to cleanse and purify the emotions
• Catharsis allows the audience to gain insight into the human condition

Peripeteia

• Peripeteia is a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances
• This occurs in the protagonist's life.
• It often marks a turning point in the play
• This leads to the protagonist's eventual downfall
• Peripeteia adds to the dramatic tension
• It intensifies the emotional impact on the audience

Anagnorisis

• Anagnorisis is a moment of recognition or discovery
• The protagonist realizes the truth about themselves, their actions, or their situation
• This revelation often occurs late in the play.
• Anagnorisis can be a painful and transformative experience for the protagonist
• Anagnorisis contributes to the overall tragic effect

Pathos

• Pathos is a quality that evokes feelings of pity, sorrow, or compassion in the audience
• It is often created through the portrayal of suffering, loss, or vulnerability
• Pathos is a key element of Greek tragedy
• It elicits an emotional response from the audience
• Pathos allows the audience to connect with the characters and their struggles

Role of the Chorus

• The chorus serves as a commentator on the events of the play
• The chorus offers insights into the themes and characters
• The chorus represents the perspective of the community or society
• The chorus provides background information
• The chorus enhances the dramatic and emotional impact of the tragedy
• Often sings and dances

Function of Masks

• Masks were typically used in Greek tragic performances
• Masks allowed actors to play multiple roles
• Masks helped to project the voice
• Masks conveyed the emotional state of the characters
• Masks were often highly stylized and expressive