Classical Tragedy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the Dionysia?

A dramatic performance event

A large festival in honor of Apollo

A religious ceremony for Athena

A large festival in honor of Dionysus (correct)

What was the Panathenaea?

The most important of all the festivals at Athens in honor of Athena.

What does pollution refer to in a supernatural context?

A supernatural stain that can infect a whole town.

Hubris is excessive pride toward or defiance of the _____, leading to nemesis.

gods Signup and view all the answers

What is the Delphic oracle?

The oracle of Apollo at Delphi that provided authoritative but ambiguous answers. Signup and view all the answers

What does choral lyric refer to?

Strophe, antistrophe, epode sung by prepubescent boys. Signup and view all the answers

Tragedy means 'GOAT SONG.'

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is Aeschylus?

The founder of tragic drama; a 6th-century Greek poet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic style of Sophocles?

Middle style that is not overly complicated or dense. Signup and view all the answers

What is Euripides' writing style characterized by?

Simple style using the vernacular. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hamartia' mean?

Protagonist's error or flaw that leads to a reversal of fortune. Signup and view all the answers

What is peripeteia?

A complete reversal of the plot in a play. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a melodrama?

Overly done external conflict with closure at the end. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Ekkuklema?

A stage mechanism used to reveal interior or offstage scenes. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'parodos' mean?

'Route along the side.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the Orchestra in Greek theater?

The circular space in front of the stage allotted to the chorus. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'skene' refer to?

A structure facing the audience that served as the background. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Thespis?

The founder of tragic drama. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their corresponding playwrights:

Agamemnon = Aeschylus Women of Trachis = Sophocles Bacchae = Euripides Medea = Euripides Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical structure of a tragedy?

Prologue, Parode, Strophe, Antistrophe, Epode, Chorus, Episode, Stasimon, Exode. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'anagnorisis' refer to?

The critical moment of recognition or discovery preceding peripeteia. Signup and view all the answers

What does Akrasia mean?

The state of acting against better judgment through weakness of will. Signup and view all the answers

What is Aristotle's concept of Katharsis?

The purging of emotions through the evocation of pity and fear. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Festivals

Dionysia: Ancient Athens festival honoring Dionysus, featuring dramatic tragedies.
Panathenaea: The most significant festival in Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Themes and Concepts

Pollution (Miasma): A supernatural stain affecting entire communities.
Hubris (Hybris): Excessive pride or defiance against the gods, often leading to nemesis.
Hamartia: An error or character flaw causing a protagonist's downfall.

Dramatic Elements

Delphic Oracle: Worshipped Apollo at Delphi; known for ambiguous yet authoritative responses.
Choral Lyric: Includes strophe, antistrophe, and epode sung by prepubescent boys.
Melodrama: Overly exaggerated drama featuring clear conflicts and resolutions.
Ekkuklema: Stage mechanism in classical Greek theater revealing offstage scenes.

Structure of Tragedy

Typical Tragedy Structure: Comprises prologue, parode, strophe, antistrophe, epode, chorus, episodes, stasimon, and exode.
Prologue: Initial exposition often delivered by a character or god.
Chorus: Comments on the events; plays an integral role in setting the narrative tone.

Character Types

Protagonist: The leading central character, often undergoing significant change.
Antagonist: The character opposing the protagonist, generating conflict.

Notable Playwrights

Aeschylus: Significant Greek playwright; credited for works such as the Oresteia Trilogy (Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, Eumenides).
Sophocles: Known for a balanced and nuanced writing style; authored plays like Electra and Women of Trachis.
Euripides: Focused on simple and relatable language; famous for Medea and Bacchae.

Structural Devices

Peripeteia: Sudden reversal in the plot, marking a turning point in the narrative.
Anagnorisis: Moment of recognition or discovery, occurring pre-reversal.

Concepts of Tragedy

Trilogy: A set of three related plays.
Tetralogy: Grouping of four plays, one being a satyr play.

Moral/Philosophical Ideas

Meden Agan: Inscription meaning "Nothing in Excess," reflects the value of moderation.
Akrasia: Weakness of will; acting against better judgment due to internal conflict.
Aristotle's Katharsis: Emotional purification achieved through experiencing pity and fear in tragedy.

Other Notable Terms

Agon: A formal debate or intellectual struggle within a play.
Skene: Set piece forming the backdrop for theatrical performances.
Orchestra: Circular space for the chorus, enhancing the performance dynamics.

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Test your knowledge of classical tragedy with these flashcards. Explore key terms and their meanings related to ancient Athenian festivals and concepts. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Greek drama and literature.