Why did the Greek chorus wear masks?
Masks served several important purposes in Ancient Greek theater: their exaggerated expressions helped define the characters the actors were playing; they allowed actors to play more than one role (or gender); they helped audience members in the distant seats see and, by projecting sound somewhat like a small megaphone …
What is the typical structure of a Greek tragedy?
The basic structure of a Greek tragedy is fairly simple. After a prologue spoken by one or more characters, the chorus enters, singing and dancing. Scenes then alternate between spoken sections (dialogue between characters, and between characters and chorus) and sung sections (during which the chorus danced).
What is the Greek name for drama?
The term “drama” comes from a Greek word meaning “action” (Classical Greek: δρᾶμα, drama), which is derived from “I do” (Classical Greek: δράω, drao). The two masks associated with drama represent the traditional generic division between comedy and tragedy.
Who is the sister of Antigone?
Characters in Antigone. Antigone (an-TIG-oh-nee): The daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta; she wants to bury her brother Polynices, even through Creon says it’s against the law. Ismene (iz-ME-nee): Antigone’s sister; she’d like to help her sister, but she thinks it’s too dangerous.
What was forbidden in Greek Theatre?
Scenes of violence in the tragedy were often forbidden. Battles, murders, suicides, etc., were performed offstage but were reported by messengers. All actors wore masks so no one could see facial expression. Greek tragedy was often about symbolism.
What is chorus in play?
Chorus, in drama and music, those who perform vocally in a group as opposed to those who perform singly. The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation.
What are the 3 types of Greek drama?
The Ancient Greeks took their entertainment very seriously and used drama as a way of investigating the world they lived in, and what it meant to be human. The three genres of drama were comedy, satyr plays, and most important of all, tragedy.
What does the chorus think of Antigone?
The chorus feels sorry for Antigone and believes that she will receive glory after death. Earlier in the play, the chorus was firmly on Creon’s side and agreed that the criminal must be punished.
How many Greek chorus are there?
50
What is a strophe?
Strophe, in poetry, a group of verses that form a distinct unit within a poem. The term is sometimes used as a synonym for stanza, usually in reference to a Pindaric ode or to a poem that does not have a regular metre and rhyme pattern, such as free verse.
Why are there no Greek masks left today?
The Greek Mask. There are no surviving masks that were actually worn from Ancient Greek Theater. This is due in part to the fact that they were made from perishable material such as “stiffened linen or wood” (MAE).
Who wrote Oedipus Rex?
Sophocles
Who is the chorus in Antigone?
The Chorus in the Antigone are pious, elderly men, who embody community wisdom and show deference to power. Their support of Creon, however, is not whole-hearted, but because they fear him, they do not speak candidly.
What are the key elements of a Greek tragedy?
According to Aristotle, tragedy has six main elements: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle (scenic effect), and song (music), of which the first two are primary.
What are the 3 rules that Greek tragedy must follow?
These principles were called, respectively, unity of action, unity of place, and unity of time. These three unities were redefined in 1570 by the Italian humanist Lodovico Castelvetro in his interpretation of Aristotle, and they are usually referred to as “Aristotelian rules” for dramatic structure.
What is catharsis in Greek tragedy?
Catharsis, the purification or purgation of the emotions (especially pity and fear) primarily through art. In criticism, catharsis is a metaphor used by Aristotle in the Poetics to describe the effects of true tragedy on the spectator. Tragedy then has a healthful and humanizing effect on the spectator or reader.
How does Antigone show feminism?
Antigone acts as a feminist hero before the word feminism even existed. She stands up for what she believes is right, even though it means surrendering her life. She never hides from what she has done, but instead she states boldly what she thinks, calling out King Kreon in his various injustices.
Should Antigone be honored for her actions?
In the case of Antigone she felt loyal to her brother and felt that she should protect his honor and give him the respect that he deserves even if the king did not agree with her. They must respect him or her and believe that he or she is doing what is best for the people.