Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the author of the Odyssey?
Who is the author of the Odyssey?
- Sophocles
- Euripides
- Aeschylus
- Homer (correct)
Who is the author of Agamemnon and Eumenides?
Who is the author of Agamemnon and Eumenides?
Aeschylus
Who wrote Oedipus the King and Antigone?
Who wrote Oedipus the King and Antigone?
Sophocles
Name the author of Medea, Trojan Women, Helen, Hippolytus, and Bacchae.
Name the author of Medea, Trojan Women, Helen, Hippolytus, and Bacchae.
Catharsis is a release of ______.
Catharsis is a release of ______.
Who is Ismene?
Who is Ismene?
Who is Tiresias?
Who is Tiresias?
Miasma refers to ______ guilt.
Miasma refers to ______ guilt.
What does ecphrasis describe?
What does ecphrasis describe?
What is hamartia?
What is hamartia?
Peripeteia is a reversal of ______.
Peripeteia is a reversal of ______.
Define apostrophe in literature.
Define apostrophe in literature.
Who is Aristophanes?
Who is Aristophanes?
Aidos is a sense of ______.
Aidos is a sense of ______.
What does agon refer to in Greek tragedy?
What does agon refer to in Greek tragedy?
A simile is a comparison using ______ or ______.
A simile is a comparison using ______ or ______.
Ring composition refers to a story that starts and ends with the ______ thing.
Ring composition refers to a story that starts and ends with the ______ thing.
What is an epithet?
What is an epithet?
What is a folktale motif?
What is a folktale motif?
What is the Homeric catalogue?
What is the Homeric catalogue?
What does the Homeric paradigm refer to?
What does the Homeric paradigm refer to?
What is a Homeric dream?
What is a Homeric dream?
What is a Homeric omen?
What is a Homeric omen?
Define formula in the context of literature.
Define formula in the context of literature.
What does anomia mean?
What does anomia mean?
What is Aeolia?
What is Aeolia?
Who is Circe?
Who is Circe?
Define supplication.
Define supplication.
What does xenia refer to?
What does xenia refer to?
Who is Agamemnon?
Who is Agamemnon?
Who is Clytemnestra?
Who is Clytemnestra?
Who is Nausicaa?
Who is Nausicaa?
Who is Aeolus?
Who is Aeolus?
What does Nekuia refer to?
What does Nekuia refer to?
What is hubris?
What is hubris?
Who is Anticleia?
Who is Anticleia?
What does aidos signify?
What does aidos signify?
What does anomos mean?
What does anomos mean?
What are sirens?
What are sirens?
Who is Elpenor?
Who is Elpenor?
Who is Eurycleia?
Who is Eurycleia?
Who is Melanthius?
Who is Melanthius?
What is anagnorisis?
What is anagnorisis?
Define myth.
Define myth.
What is an omen?
What is an omen?
Define dramatic tension.
Define dramatic tension.
What is a parados?
What is a parados?
What is skene?
What is skene?
What is an enkuklema?
What is an enkuklema?
What does mechane refer to?
What does mechane refer to?
What does prosopon mean?
What does prosopon mean?
Define suspension of disbelief.
Define suspension of disbelief.
What is a dithyramb?
What is a dithyramb?
What does agon mean?
What does agon mean?
What does palintonos harmonia refer to?
What does palintonos harmonia refer to?
What is meant by escape tragedies?
What is meant by escape tragedies?
What is a palinode?
What is a palinode?
Study Notes
Key Authors
- Homer: Renowned for composing the "Odyssey," an epic poem central to Greek literature.
- Aeschylus: Playwright known for works such as "Agamemnon" and "Eumenides," foundational to Greek tragedy.
- Sophocles: Author of significant tragedies including "Oedipus the King" and "Antigone," emphasizing moral dilemmas.
- Euripides: Notable for plays like "Medea" and "Trojan Women," challenging traditional themes and portraying complex characters.
Literary Concepts
- Catharsis: Emotional release experienced by audiences during dramatic performances, pivotal in Greek theater.
- Ecphrasis: Artistic description that enhances narrative by likening natural or artistic scenes to artwork.
- Hamartia: A term indicating a tragic flaw or error in judgment, exemplified by Oedipus's ignorance of his own lineage.
- Peripeteia: A sudden reversal of fortune, often observed in Greek tragedies, altering characters' fates.
- Anagnorisis: A moment of critical recognition, where a character transitions from ignorance to knowledge.
- Xenia: The ancient Greek code of hospitality defining the relationship between guests and hosts.
Character Identification
- Ismene: Sister of Antigone, symbolizing conformity and the struggle between familial duty and societal law.
- Tiresias: A blind prophet offering wisdom to Odysseus, representing knowledge despite physical blindness.
- Agamemnon: King of Mycenae and leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War, pivotal in several Greek tragedies.
- Clytemnestra: Agamemnon’s wife who betrays him, representing themes of revenge and female agency.
- Nausicaa: The Phaeacian princess who aids Odysseus, embodying kindness and the ideal of hospitality.
- Elpenor: A member of Odysseus’s crew who dies tragically; reflects the theme of loss and mortality.
Mythological Terms
- Hubris: Excessive pride that often leads to a character's downfall in Greek narratives.
- Miasma: The pollution resulting from wrongful actions, particularly homicide, creating moral and spiritual ramifications.
- Sirens: Mythical beings whose enchanting songs lead sailors to their demise, symbolizing temptation and danger.
Theatrical Elements
- Parados: The entrance of the chorus in a Greek tragedy, setting the tone for the performance.
- Skene: The backdrop structure in Greek theater, serving as a stage and connection to the narrative.
- Dithyramb: A hymn dedicated to Dionysus, emphasizing ritualistic connections to theater and the divine.
- Prosopon: The masks used by actors in Greek theater, allowing for the portrayal of different characters.
Narrative Devices
- Ring Composition: A literary structure where a story begins and ends with similar elements, creating cohesion.
- Formula: Recurring phrases or structures in epic poetry, enriching the storytelling experience.
- Folktale Motif: Recurring narrative patterns found in stories, such as the archetype of the hero rescuing a princess.
Additional Concepts
- Suspension of Disbelief: The audience's willingness to accept and engage with fantastical elements of the narrative.
- Aidos: A cultural principle signifying moral behavior and a sense of shame, influencing heroic actions and societal expectations.
- Palinode: A retraction of previous statements, often used in poetry or narrative to express regret or change in perspective.
Contextual Themes
- Escape Tragedies: A genre depicting women rescuing themes in adventurous and exotic settings, focusing on heroism and romance.
- Palintonos Harmonia: The notion of maintaining light-heartedness amidst sorrow, reflecting the complexity of human emotions in narratives.
- Anomia: Denotes a state of lawlessness, typically reflected in the behavior of mythical figures like the Cyclopes.
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Description
Prepare for your Classics 1101 midterm with these flashcards covering key authors and concepts from ancient literature. Each card highlights important figures like Homer, Aeschylus, and Sophocles, along with essential definitions such as catharsis. Test your knowledge and ensure you're ready for the exam!
