Introduction to Greek Drama

Introduction to Greek Drama Ms. M. Jackson 10th Grade Literature Language Arts Department

Standards Covered ELAWLRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence in a variety of texts representative of different genres and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation. ELAWLRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works from around the world by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.

ELAWLRL1 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of the themes, structures, and elements of dramatic literature from around the world and provides evidence from the text to support understanding; the student: a. Identifies and analyzes types of dramatic literature (i.e., classical tragedy and culturally specific forms such as commedia dell’arte). b. Analyzes the characters, structures, and themes of dramatic literature. c. Identifies and analyzes dramatic elements, (i.e., unity of time, place, and action; tragic hero; deus ex machina; recognition; reversal; chorus; aside; dramatic irony). d. Identifies and analyzes how dramatic elements support and enhance the interpretation of dramatic literature.

ELAWLRL3 a. Relates a literary work to primary source documents of its literary period or historical setting. b. Relates a literary work to the seminal ideas of the time and place in which it is set or the time and place of its composition. • i. Greek • ii. Roman • iii. Classical Multicultural • iv. Western European • v. Contemporary Multicultural c. Compares and contrasts specific characteristics of different genres as these genres develop and change over time and across cultures (i.e., classical multicultural with contemporary multicultural, Western with Eastern European). d. Analyzes a variety of cross-cultural works representing different genres within the same specific time period in order to identify types of discourse (i.e., satire, parody, allegory, pastoral) that cross the lines of genre classifications.

Essential Questions • How do individuals develop values and beliefs? • What happens when belief systems of societies and individuals come into conflict? • How is comprehension of literary text enhanced when the reader relates the work to contemporary contexts and historical events?

Classical Drama • Classical Drama began in ancient Greece in sixth century B.C. (599-500) • Religious festivals took place in Athens each spring in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility • A chorus of masked dancers performed on a circular stage singing hymns to Dionysus.

Classical Drama • In 535 BC, Thespis of Icaria introduced the first actor on stage. (The word thespian, which comes from his name, means actor) • The actor impersonated various characters by wearing different masks and costumes and took part in a dialogue with the leader of the chorus. • Throughout the sixth and fifth centuries, Greek plays kept their religious purpose. The word tragedy reflects this purpose. Tragedy comes from the Greek word for goat, which was the sacrificial animal for Dionysus

Greek Writers of Tragedy • Greatest writers of Greek tragedy were Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. • These writers based their plays on familiar legends and myths. The audience knew the story behind the play.

Aeschylus • The earliest of the three great dramatists, Aeschylus (c. 525-455 BC) was born of a noble family near Athens • He wrote between 80 and 90 plays, winning first prize at least 13 times in dramatic competitions • Known as the founder of Greek tragedy, he diminished the role of the chorus and added a second actor

Sophocles • The son of a wealthy arms manufacturer, Sophocles (c. 496-406 BC) was a beloved and highly successful public figure • He wrote 123 dramas, winning 24 first prizes and never finished lower than second in dramatic competitions • He increased the number of chorus members and added a third actor

Sophocles • Was born in Colonus, outside of Athens, Greece in 495 B. C. • Schooled in poetry, music and dancing • At fifteen, he earned a reputation as a performer, leading a chorus of boys in the paean (hymn of victory and thanksgiving to the gods • Established playwright, authored more than 120 plays

Sophocles • In 468 B.C., at age 28, he won first prize at the festival of Dionysus (Dionysia) over Athens’ established playwright, Aeschylus • Playwrights had to complete 3 tragedies and 1 satyr-play (tetralogy); means 4 • He won first place 24 times; he wrote 96 first place award winning plays & 7 second place awards out of 31 competitions he entered

Sophocles • Out of over 120 plays, only 7 still exist in their entirety: Ajax, Antigone, Electra, Oedipus Rex, The Trachiniae, Philoctetes, Oedipus at Colonus • The Oedipus plays are thought of as a trilogy, but they were not written as such • Antigone (440 B.C.); Oedipus Rex (430 B.C.); Oedipus at Colonus (401 B.C.)

Sophocles • Involved in the technical aspect of the Greek theatre • Introduced the idea of painted scenery, varied the types of music sung by the chorus, increased the size of the cast from 12 to 15, and the number of actors in a production from 2 to 3 (clarified plot development and distinguished between characters) • Introduced elaborate costumes (esp. the masks)

Sophocles • Involved in civic level of society • Served as a general under Pericles and was a key negotiator in the Peloponnesian War • In his role as priest, he was concerned with an individual’s need to find his/her own place in the moral and cosmic order of the universe

SophoclesThemes of his Plays • His plays contain moral lessons, usually pertaining to man’s duty to the gods and the avoidance of excessive pride • He was considered especially blessed by the gods • Highly revered in society • Died in 406 B. C. • A shrine (Dexion – the entertainer) was established in his honor; annual sacrifices are offered in his memory

Euripides • The youngest of the three great dramatists, Euripides (c. 484-406 BC) was the least appreciated and the most controversial because he did not participate in the public life of Athens • He wrote at least 88 plays, winning first prize only 4 times in dramatic competitions • He reduced the role of the chorus even further and questioned traditional religious beliefs and brought a psychological realism to the stage

Greek Comedy • Comedy was not as popular to the Greeks • The greatest of the Greek comic dramatists was Aristophanes (c. 445-385) • Not much is known about Aristophanes, but he incorporated the use of parody, exaggeration, and satire to mock prominent people and new ways of thought

Greek Drama • Classical Drama is one of the greatest legacies left by the ancient Greeks • Many plays and their conventions have influenced modern drama and countless playwrights • The Greeks are credited with inventing drama

Notable Plays • The Oresteia – Aeschylus • Prometheus Bound – Aeschylus • Antigone – Sophocles • Oedipus Rex – Sophocles • Oedipus at Colonus – Sophocles • Medea – Euripides • Lysistrata - Aristophanes

Introduction to Greek Drama