Greek Tragedy / Masks Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Greek term for the circular dancing place?

Orchestra

What are Thespians?

Actors

What does Anagnorisis mean?

Recognition of the hero's fate

What does Tragoedia translate to?

Goat-song Signup and view all the answers

What is the Greek word for actor?

Hypokrites Signup and view all the answers

What is a Satyr in Greek theatre?

Half man half goat Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Choros' represent?

Dance in a ring Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of Strophe?

Turning in a circle clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What is Anti-Strophe?

Counter-turning in a circle counter-clockwise Signup and view all the answers

What is an Epode?

After song for praying to Dionysus Signup and view all the answers

What does Hubris refer to in Greek tragedy?

Pride (type of Hamartia) Signup and view all the answers

What is Hamartia?

Tragic flaw=often hubris Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dionysus?

Greek God of Drama Signup and view all the answers

Who was Aeschylus?

Ancient Greek play writer; first of the main 3 play writers Signup and view all the answers

Who was Sophocles?

Ancient Greek play writer who wrote Oedipus Rex Signup and view all the answers

Who was Euripides?

Ancient Greek play writer who developed 3 actors Signup and view all the answers

What does Catharsis mean in the context of Greek theatre?

Emotions audience feels from actors Signup and view all the answers

What does Purification refer to according to Gerald Else?

Says that tragedy purifies 'whatever is filthy or polluted' in pathos, the tragic act Signup and view all the answers

What does Pathos signify?

Suffering Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hero's journey?

Makes Hamartia Signup and view all the answers

What does Reversal mean in Greek drama?

When a situation seems to develop in one direction, then suddenly 'reverses' to another Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Reversal in Oedipus?

Reversal: when Oedipus first hears the death of Polybus (his supposed father), the news at first seems good, but then is revealed to be disastrous Signup and view all the answers

What is Recognition in the context of Greek tragedy?

A change from ignorance to awareness of a bond of love or hate Signup and view all the answers

What does Suffering translate to in Greek drama?

A destructive or painful act Signup and view all the answers

What is Sympathy?

Feeling Signup and view all the answers

What does Empathy mean?

Feel the feeling Signup and view all the answers

What is Apathy?

Without feeling Signup and view all the answers

What are the Six Aristotelian Elements of drama?

Plot, Character, Theme, Language, Rhythm, Spectacle Signup and view all the answers

What is Plot in the context of Greek drama?

Differentiated from story, chronological detailing of events that happen on and off stage, events happening off stage are introduced through exposition, must create a credible and astonishing plot Signup and view all the answers

What defines Character in Greek tragedy?

Vivid character, has to face or overcome obstacles that we can recognize through the conflict Signup and view all the answers

What does Theme entail in Greek drama?

Examinations of patterns of life, can be didactic or slice of life Signup and view all the answers

What does Language refer to in a drama?

Express themselves in 'heightened language', dramatic dialogue consists of two parts: narrative and dramatic Signup and view all the answers

What is Rhythm in the context of drama?

Plot, character, language, and spectacle all have their individual rhythms in time, the combination of all these rhythms create the impelling force of the play leading to a final climax and denouement. Rhythm creates mood. Signup and view all the answers

What is Spectacle in Greek theatre?

Everything that is seen or heard on stage: Actors, sets, costumes, lights, and sound Signup and view all the answers

What are Greek Masks?

Used in performances, featured exaggerated expressions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of wearing masks in Greek theatre?

Each mask was designed to show certain emotion through exaggerated facial expressions. Signup and view all the answers

What materials were Greek masks made of?

Wood, plaster, soaked linen, or leather. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Greek Tragedy Concepts

Orchestra: A circular dancing space central to Greek theatrical performances.
Thespians: The term for actors in the context of Greek drama.
Anagnorisis: A moment of critical discovery, specifically the hero's realization of their fate.
Tragoedia: Translates to "goat-song," the origin of the term tragedy in Greek theatre.
Hypokrites: Greek word translating to "actor," origin of the term hypocrite.
Satyr: Mythological creature that is half man, half goat, often featured in Greek theatre.

Chorus and Structure

Choros: Represents the voice of the people, symbolizing democratic values, typically involved in the dance.
Strophe: Refers to the first part of the choral ode, involving movement in a clockwise circle.
Anti-Strophe: The response movement, counter-turning counter-clockwise.
Epode: Concludes the choral ode, a prayer typically directed at Dionysus.

Tragic Elements

Hubris: Excessive pride, often a type of Hamartia leading to the hero's downfall.
Hamartia: The tragic flaw within a character, frequently identifying as hubris.
Dionysus: The Greek God associated with drama and theatre, central to the production of plays.

Notable Playwrights

Aeschylus: Credited as the first of the ancient Greek playwrights.
Sophocles: Renowned for writing "Oedipus Rex," a pivotal work in Greek tragedy.
Euripides: Innovated the introduction of three actors in performances, expanding dramatic possibilities.

Emotional Impact

Catharsis: The purging or emotional release felt by the audience through the performance.
Purification by Gerald Else: Defines tragedy as a means for purging the "filthy or polluted" aspects of human experience, particularly in the context of pathos.
Pathos: The representation of suffering and emotional appeal within the narrative.

Hero's Journey and Plot Construction

Hero's Journey: Central to the narrative structure, often involves the development of Hamartia.
Reversal: A plot twist where events change direction unexpectedly, exemplified in "Oedipus" with the revelation of Polybus's death.
Recognition: A shift from ignorance to awareness, revealing crucial relationships of love or enmity.
Suffering: The final element of plot, often depicted as a calamity or destructive event.

Empathy and Sympathy

Sympathy: Emotional identification with a character's feelings.
Empathy: The ability to share and understand another's emotional experience.
Apathy: A state of emotional detachment or lack of feeling.

Aristotle's Six Elements of Drama

Plot: A structured series of events and actions that unfold in a play, with credible and engaging progression.
Character: Must be vivid and relatable, facing obstacles central to their development.
Theme: Reflects life patterns, either instructional (didactic) or realistic (slice of life).
Language: Composed in heightened language, weaving narrative with dramatic dialogue.
Rhythm: Individual rhythms of plot, character, language, and spectacle contribute to the overall mood and climax of the play.
Spectacle: Encompasses all visual and auditory elements on stage, including actors, sets, costumes, lighting, and sound.

Greek Masks

Historical Use: Masks were integral to early performances, originating from worship rituals for Dionysus.
Thespis: Early innovator of mask use in theatre, notably painted his face to signify characters.
Purpose of Masks: Designed to convey distinct emotions, aiding audience interpretation through exaggerated expressions; men donned masks to portray female characters.
Material and Design: Typically crafted from wood, plaster, or leather, featuring large openings for visibility; female masks had enhanced features for clarity to the audience.
Authenticity: Few authentic ancient Greek masks exist today; knowledge primarily derives from artistic depictions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Greek tragedy with these flashcards focused on key terms and definitions. From 'Orchestra' to 'Satyr', each card provides a chance to learn about the integral components of this dramatic genre. Perfect for students or enthusiasts of classical literature.