Greek Theater Terminology Function The purpose of a

Greek Theater Terminology

Function The purpose of a person or thing.

Aristotelian tragedy Definition: As indicated in Aristotle’s Poetics, a brand of tragedy, introduced in ancient Greece, defined by a list of specific tenets. Function: Aristotle’s analysis of Greek dramatic tragedy gives insight into the purpose of Greek tragedy, and it allows for people to identify literary works that model Aristotelian tragedy.

Poetics (by Aristotle) Definition: The earliest surviving work of literary theory; written by Aristotle in the third century BCE. Function: Poetics allows Aristotle to clearly define what makes a work dramatic or poetic. Once defined, scholars have a common ground on which to debate the finer points of both mediums.

Dramatic Irony Definition: In a dramatic work, when the audience knows or understands something that a character does not. Function: In Greek theater, the audience is freed from following the mechanics of plot and can instead meditate on the significance of a character’s thoughts and actions. Similarly, they can make connections to their own lives; also, dramatic elements are more keenly felt by the audience.

Catharsis Definition: A purging of emotions Function: Because dramatic irony allows audiences to more intensely experience the emotions within a dramatic work, it is all the more important that the tension within them be relieved. The act of relieving emotional tension is a cathartic act; this act also serves the function of relieving emotions that audience members may bring to a performance from personal life, such as the need for revenge or violence.

Miasma Definition: Pollution caused by an act that offends the Gods Function: Identification of specific acts and situations that cause pollution indicate to Greek theatre-goers what acts are deemed by the culture to be bad as well as the degree of a particular offense.

Hamartia Definition: A fatal flaw that leads to a character’s downfall Function: As with miasma, the identification of an offense is a critical stage of self-evaluation and correction. Flaws are weaknesses that can lead to acts of pollution. Dramatic irony allows Greek theater-goers the chance to meditate at length on the possible impact of a seemingly “innocent” flaw.

Peripeteia Definition: A sudden reversal of fortune Function: Change of fortune is key to Greek tragedy in that it leads to recognition, which in turn leads to growth. Unless one recognizes one’s faults, one cannot change one’s behavior to ameliorate or purge these faults. Peripeteia allows characters the opportunity to recognize their faults and take action regarding them. Theater-goers are very aware of the choices characters make related to changes in fortune.

Tragic Hero Definition: Usually the central heroic figure in a Greek dramatic work, but always a fundamentally good and believable character whose tragic flaw leads to downfall. Function: For Greeks, seeing a morally good character that was normal and believable allowed them to see themselves in the character. This relatability is key, for the purpose of the tragic hero is to teach that even good people may fall victim to base qualities such as greed, anger, aloofness, etc.

Pity Definition: An essential emotion experienced by an audience while experiencing an effective Greek tragedy; the feeling is arises when the audience believes that the tragic hero does not deserve his fate. Function: Feeling pity allows theater goers to view the tragic hero as all to human and relatable. Greek tragedies require the audience to to see itself, to some degree, within the tragic hero.

Chorus Definition: A group of actors who move and speak as one Function: The chorus often represents the voice of the audience. Thus, how the chorus interacts with the main characters suggests to the audience the feelings or concerns that they themselves might or should have at a particular moment. Theater-goers see themselves in the play, thus deepening their investment, and the instructional aspect of the play reinforces proper behavior and attitudes.

Mimesis Definition: Imitation or reproduction Function: For dramatic irony to be effective, the play must be faithfully reproduced. In addition, for theater-goers to have a cathartic experience, they must witness a familiar world populated with characters that are honestly portrayed and relatable.

Tragedy Definition: A dramatic expression that follows a set series of acts as indicated by Aristotle in his Poetics. Function: Provides mimesis and catharsis for in order to achieve cultural unity and individual and societal betterment.

Hubris (Hybris) Definition: Excessive pride or arrogance that involves the shaming or humiliation of another Function: Hubris functioned as a type of fatal flaw (hamartia) that often led to miasma, thus driving the plot of a tragedy forward.

Anagnorisis Definition: A critical moment of recognition (generally from ignorance to knowledge) Function: Anagnorisis reinforces for the audience what the correct response to a situation should be. Once a fatal flaw is recognized, the audience closely watches the reaction of the character, the chorus, and the closing trajectory of the plot in order to reinforce their own understanding of what is right and good within society.

Catastrophe Definition: The resolution of a Greek dramatic work (and so not always negative). In tragedy it often means the death of one or more characters. Function: The catastrophe provides catharsis for viewers and reinforces the central cultural message of the dramatic work.

Oracle Definition: A place where the will of the gods is transmitted to the world of men. Also, an individual who pronounces the will of the gods, usually from a specific location. Function: Greek morality was set to the will of the gods. Violating the will of the gods created miasma. Oracles allowed the moral will of the gods to be pronounced for all in attendance, thus reinforcing the correct moral path that all Greeks should be on.

Orchestra Definition: A circular pit located in front of the audience before the stage Function: The orchestra provides a space for the chorus to reside throughout the duration of the play

Aulos Definition: A double-reed wind instrument Function: Adds emotional intensity to moments or scenes within a dramatic work.

Mask Definition: A covering that conceals identity and relates or conceals emotion Function: Besides providing amplification for actors, masks in Greek theatrical productions projected relatable archetypes to audiences; they simplified the viewing experience by distilling complex emotions into a set expression of happiness, fear, anger, etc.