Chorus

Definition

In Greek tragedy, the chorus is a group of performers who comment on the main action of the play, providing insight, background information, and emotional context. This collective voice serves several important functions, such as enhancing the narrative, reflecting the societal values of the time, and interacting with characters to deepen the audience's understanding of the drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chorus typically consists of a group of 12 to 15 members who sing, dance, and speak during key moments in the play.
2. Choruses often represent different societal perspectives, such as elders, citizens, or specific communities, and help convey moral lessons to the audience.
3. In addition to commentary, choruses can foreshadow events and reflect on character decisions, adding depth to the unfolding drama.
4. Choruses also serve to create a sense of rhythm and pacing within a play, marking transitions between scenes and emphasizing emotional moments.
5. The interaction between the chorus and main characters can enhance dramatic tension, as the chorus may question or challenge characters' actions and decisions.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus function as a collective voice in Greek tragedy and what insights does it provide into the characters' experiences?
  • The chorus acts as a collective voice that offers commentary on the unfolding events and emotional states of characters within Greek tragedies. By reflecting societal values and moral lessons, it helps guide audience interpretation of key actions and decisions. The chorus's interactions with characters can reveal underlying tensions and highlight significant choices, allowing for a deeper understanding of individual motivations and conflicts.
• Discuss how the structure of a Greek tragedy utilizes the chorus to reinforce themes through elements like stasima and parodos.
  • The structure of Greek tragedy is carefully designed to incorporate elements such as stasima and parodos, which allow the chorus to reinforce central themes throughout the narrative. The parodos serves as an introductory piece that establishes tone and context while engaging the audience's attention. Stasima, performed at various points in the play, offers reflections on events that deepen thematic exploration, creating a layered understanding of fate, morality, or human experience.
• Evaluate how the role of the chorus in Greek tragedy has influenced modern theatrical practices and storytelling techniques.
  • The role of the chorus in Greek tragedy has significantly influenced modern theatrical practices by establishing techniques for ensemble storytelling and commentary. Contemporary productions often employ groups or ensembles to provide collective perspectives or emotional resonance similar to ancient choruses. Additionally, many modern plays integrate commentary through narration or music to enhance thematic depth and engage audiences—echoing how Greek choruses enriched drama by weaving together personal stories with broader societal contexts.

Related terms

Stasimon:

A stationary song performed by the chorus in Greek tragedy, often reflecting on the themes and events of the play while providing commentary.

Parodos:

The entrance song of the chorus in a Greek tragedy that sets the tone and introduces key themes or events of the narrative.

Thespis:

Considered the first actor and playwright in ancient Greece, credited with introducing dialogue to performances, which allowed for the development of character interactions beyond the chorus.