Theatre Terms Antigone Greek Tragedy Conventions Tragedy A

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Theatre Terms Antigone Greek Tragedy Conventions

Theatre Terms Antigone Greek Tragedy Conventions

Tragedy A drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to

Tragedy A drama or literary work in which the main character is brought to ruin or suffers extreme sorrow, especially as a consequence of a tragic flaw, moral weakness, or inability to cope with unfavorable circumstances

Anagnorisis l l Greek meaning: Recognition Aristotle discuss it in the Poetics as an

Anagnorisis l l Greek meaning: Recognition Aristotle discuss it in the Poetics as an essential part of the plot of a tragedy Anagnorisis usually involves revelation of the true identity of persons previously unknown, as when a father recognizes a stranger as his son, or vice versa Where have you seen anagnorisis used in modern films or books?

Catharsis l A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores

Catharsis l A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit l Aristotle says it is the effect of tragic drama on its audience l The moment after the main character makes a BIG decision building Building BUILDING Ahhhh

Deus ex Machina A God or Gods are introduced into a play to resolve

Deus ex Machina A God or Gods are introduced into a play to resolve the entanglements of the plot l Found in Greek and Roman drama – You may remember this from Odyssey and Oedipus! l Do you remember the 12 Olympians? Let’s review. . . l

12 Olympians

12 Olympians

Peripeteia l A sudden change of events or reversal of circumstances, especially in a

Peripeteia l A sudden change of events or reversal of circumstances, especially in a literary work

Stichomythia Dialogue in alternate lines, a form sometimes used in Classical Greek drama in

Stichomythia Dialogue in alternate lines, a form sometimes used in Classical Greek drama in which two characters alternate speaking single epigrammatic lines of verse l Often used as a means to show characters in vigorous contention or to heighten the emotional intensity of a scene l Characters may take turns voicing antithetical positions, or they may take up one another's words, suggesting other meanings or punning upon them l

Dramatic Irony l A plot device in which the audience's or reader's knowledge of

Dramatic Irony l A plot device in which the audience's or reader's knowledge of events or individuals surpasses that of the characters l When YOU know something the characters do NOT know l Typically occurs as a part of the climax or turning point in the plot – Helps cause that moment of catharsis!

Pathos Greek meaning: suffering or feeling emotions l When a writer uses pathos s/he

Pathos Greek meaning: suffering or feeling emotions l When a writer uses pathos s/he is. . . l Appealing to the emotions of the audience in order to persuade l Choosing language that will affects the audience's emotional response l l You use pathos too! If you don’t want to go to school how might you describe your “sickness” to your parents? Is it a mere cough? A sniffle?

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero Character must. . . 1. be of noble/high stature

Characteristics of a Tragic Hero Character must. . . 1. be of noble/high stature 2. have a tragic flaw 3. face a downfall 4. experience enlightenment 5. ultimately die or be pretty close to it! Oedipus IS a tragic hero. . . How does he fit these characteristics?

Hamartia l l l Hamartia, from Greek word Hamartanein, means “to err” Inherent defect

Hamartia l l l Hamartia, from Greek word Hamartanein, means “to err” Inherent defect or shortcoming in the hero of a tragedy, who is in other respects a superior being favored by fortune The great man falls through--though not entirely because of--some weakness of character, some moral blindness, or error Gods also are in some sense responsible for the hero's fall GODS + FATAL FLAW = Hamartia (The Gods see the flaw in the tragic hero and lead him on the way to his downfall!)

Hubris A common fatal flaw TOO MUCH PRIDE; ARROGANCE audacity, bluster, brass, conceitedness, contemptuousness,

Hubris A common fatal flaw TOO MUCH PRIDE; ARROGANCE audacity, bluster, brass, conceitedness, contemptuousness, disdainfulness, egotism, gall, haughtiness, highhandedness, imperiousness, insolence, loftiness, ostentation, pompous, presumption, pretension, priggishness, scornfulness, self-importance, self-love, smugness, superciliousness, swagger, vanity

The Greek Chorus l l A group of actors/audience members that interject into the

The Greek Chorus l l A group of actors/audience members that interject into the plot of the play They speak in chorus and would usually have a drumbeat or musical interlude to accompany them The chorus is there to help the audience consider different view points of the characters. They also pray to the Gods. (Remember this was a religious festival!) The chorus provides a review for the audience, offers prayers for the group, and helps the reader consider the different view points of the characters

The Greek Amphitheater

The Greek Amphitheater