Chorus

Definition

In ancient Greek theatre, the chorus is a group of performers who sing, dance, and comment on the action of the play. The chorus serves multiple roles, including providing background information, reflecting on themes, and engaging with characters, enhancing the emotional and narrative depth of the performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chorus originally consisted of twelve to fifteen members who provided a collective voice to express societal values and moral lessons.
2. Choral performances were characterized by rhythmic chanting and coordinated movements, which contributed to the visual and auditory experience of Greek theatre.
3. The chorus acted as a bridge between the audience and the characters, often voicing the feelings or thoughts of common people regarding the unfolding drama.
4. In tragedies, the chorus would often reflect on human suffering, fate, and divine intervention, deepening the philosophical implications of the story.
5. Sophocles made significant innovations to the chorus, expanding its role in his plays by integrating it more closely with the main action and dialogue.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus contribute to the structure and emotional impact of Greek tragedy?
  • The chorus plays a crucial role in Greek tragedy by providing commentary that enhances the narrative structure and emotional resonance of the story. It offers insights into characters' motivations and feelings while reflecting on key themes such as fate, morality, and human suffering. This collective voice can guide audience reactions and interpretations, deepening their engagement with the play's emotional landscape.
• Discuss how Aristophanes used the chorus in his political satire compared to its function in traditional Greek tragedies.
  • In Aristophanes' plays, the chorus serves a more comedic and satirical role than in traditional tragedies. While a tragic chorus reflects on serious themes and moral lessons, Aristophanes' choruses often engage in humorous commentary about contemporary politics and social issues. They can be seen as representatives of public opinion, using song and dance to critique political figures or societal norms while entertaining the audience.
• Evaluate how Sophocles transformed the role of the chorus in his Theban Plays compared to earlier forms of Greek theatre.
  • Sophocles revolutionized the role of the chorus by integrating it more deeply into the fabric of his Theban Plays. Unlike earlier choruses that primarily provided commentary, Sophocles used them as active participants in the drama, allowing them to interact more with characters and influence plot developments. This transformation added layers of complexity to both character interactions and thematic exploration, making the chorus an essential element in conveying dramatic tension and philosophical inquiries.

Related terms

Strophe:

The first part of an ode in Greek tragedy, typically performed by the chorus while moving from one side of the stage to the other.

Antistrophe: The second part of an ode in Greek tragedy that responds to the strophe, performed by the chorus while returning to their original position.

Choral Ode: A lyrical section sung by the chorus in a Greek play that often comments on the themes and events taking place in the narrative.