4.1 Origins and structure of Greek tragedy
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Greek emerged from religious festivals honoring Dionysus, evolving from choral hymns to complex dramatic performances. 's innovations, like stepping out from the and using masks, laid the foundation for this new art form.
The structure of Greek tragedy included a chorus that provided commentary and a in conflict with . Performances took place in outdoor theaters with a central orchestra for the chorus and a skene as a backdrop for actors.
Origins of Greek Tragedy
Dionysia and Dithyramb: Foundations of Tragedy
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- Dionysia represented major religious festival in ancient Athens honoring god Dionysus
- Festival included dramatic performances, processions, and sacrifices
- emerged as choral hymn sung and danced in honor of Dionysus
- Dithyrambic performances involved circular chorus of 50 men or boys
- Performances gradually evolved to include narrative elements and individual actors
- Dithyramb's evolution laid groundwork for development of tragedy
Thespis and the Birth of Tragedy
- Thespis credited as first actor to step out from chorus and assume character role (6th century BCE)
- Innovation allowed for dialogue between actor and chorus, creating dramatic tension
- Thespis introduced concept of actor wearing mask to portray different characters
- His performances at City Dionysia in Athens (534 BCE) marked beginning of tragedy as distinct art form
- Term "thespian" derived from Thespis, now used to refer to actors or dramatic performers
- Thespis's innovations paved way for more complex dramatic structures and character development in Greek tragedy
Structure of the Greek Chorus
Role and Function of the Chorus
- Chorus served as collective voice in Greek tragedy, comprising 12-15 members
- Performed songs and dances (choral odes) between dramatic episodes
- Offered commentary on action, expressed collective wisdom, and represented voice of community
- Led by choragus who sometimes engaged in dialogue with actors
- Chorus movements included parodos (entrance song) and exodos (exit song)
- Choral odes often provided background information, moral judgments, or emotional reactions to events
Protagonist and Dramatic Structure
- Protagonist emerged as main character, often in conflict with fate or gods
- Term "protagonist" literally means "first actor" or "first competitor" in Greek
- Dramatic structure evolved to include multiple actors (deuteragonist and tritagonist)
- Actors performed multiple roles by changing masks and costumes
- Trilogy format developed, consisting of three related tragedies performed in sequence
- Famous trilogies include 's Oresteia (Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides)
- added as fourth performance, providing comic relief after tragic trilogy
- Satyr plays featured mythological subjects treated in burlesque manner with chorus of satyrs
Greek Theater Architecture
Performance Spaces: Orchestra and Skene
- Orchestra formed circular or semi-circular dancing floor where chorus performed
- Located at center of theater, typically made of packed earth or stone
- Skene represented wooden structure behind orchestra, serving as backdrop for performances
- Skene evolved from simple tent to more elaborate two-story building with painted scenery
- Proskenion added as raised stage in front of skene for actors' performances
- Periaktoi introduced as revolving triangular prisms for scene changes
- Mechane (crane) used for special effects, such as actors appearing to fly or gods descending
Audience Space and Theatrical Elements
- Theatron encompassed semi-circular seating area for spectators
- Carved into hillside to provide natural slope and good acoustics
- Seats arranged in tiered rows, often made of stone or wood
- Capacity varied, with largest theaters accommodating up to 15,000-20,000 spectators (Theater of Dionysus in Athens)
- Masks worn by actors to portray different characters and amplify voices
- Masks represented age, gender, social status, and emotional states of characters
- Allowed male actors to play female roles and single actor to perform multiple parts
- Costumes included long robes (chiton) and platform shoes (kothornoi) to increase actor's height and visibility
Key Terms to Review (24)
Aeschylus: Aeschylus was an ancient Greek playwright, often referred to as the 'father of tragedy.' His work significantly shaped the development of Greek tragedy as a literary genre, intertwining dramatic storytelling with religious themes that reflected the complexities of human existence and divine influence. Aeschylus introduced elements such as a second actor and elaborate stagecraft, transforming theater into a more sophisticated form of art.
Catharsis: Catharsis is the emotional release and purification experienced by an audience through their engagement with dramatic works, particularly in the context of tragedy. This concept plays a crucial role in how viewers process complex feelings of pity and fear while witnessing the struggles of characters, ultimately leading to a sense of renewal or clarity. By connecting with these emotions, audiences are able to reflect on their own lives and experiences.
Chorus: In the context of Greek tragedy, a chorus is a group of performers who comment on the action of the play, often through song and dance. The chorus serves multiple functions, including providing background information, reflecting on themes, and engaging with the audience's emotions. This group typically represents the voice of the community or society, giving insight into moral and ethical implications of the characters' actions.
City-state culture: City-state culture refers to the social, political, and economic systems that developed within independently governed cities, especially in ancient Greece. These city-states, known as 'poleis', fostered a unique sense of identity, civic pride, and cultural production, including the origins of drama and tragedy that became significant in their public festivals.
Dionysian Festival: The Dionysian Festival was a major ancient Greek festival held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theater. This festival included various forms of entertainment, most notably dramatic performances, and was crucial in the development of Greek tragedy as a theatrical genre. The festival's communal celebrations fostered social cohesion and provided a space for the exploration of complex themes such as mortality, human suffering, and the divine.
Dithyramb: A dithyramb is a passionate, often wild choral hymn sung in honor of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and festivity. This form of poetic expression is characterized by its lively rhythm and ecstatic themes, which contributed to the development of Greek tragedy. Dithyrambs were performed during festivals and served as a precursor to dramatic storytelling, laying the groundwork for the structure and themes found in early tragedies.
Dramatic irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation or event than the characters within the narrative. This technique creates tension and engagement as viewers anticipate the characters' reactions to revelations that they are unaware of. In Greek tragedy, dramatic irony is pivotal, as it often underscores themes of fate, hubris, and the limitations of human understanding.
Euripides: Euripides was a classical Athenian tragedian, renowned for his innovative and often controversial plays that challenged traditional themes of Greek drama. His works frequently explored complex human emotions and moral dilemmas, reflecting the evolving societal values of his time and influencing later literature and thought.
Exodus: In the context of Greek tragedy, 'exodus' refers to the concluding section of a play, often featuring a final scene or dialogue that wraps up the narrative and conveys the moral or thematic resolution. This part typically follows the 'stasimon,' where the chorus reflects on the events of the play, and provides closure while reinforcing the overarching messages of fate, morality, and human suffering.
Fate: Fate refers to the predetermined course of events in life, often believed to be controlled by divine powers or cosmic forces. In many narratives, particularly in ancient literature, characters struggle against their fate, which raises questions about free will and destiny. This theme is central to the tragedies of ancient playwrights and the philosophical discussions of their time.
Hamartia: Hamartia refers to the tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero in Greek tragedy. This concept is essential for understanding how characters are portrayed, as their hamartia often stems from a fundamental aspect of their personality, which ultimately results in their misfortune. It connects deeply with the structure of tragedy, where the hero's journey is defined by a significant mistake or character defect that triggers a series of catastrophic events.
Hubris: Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading individuals to defy moral and divine laws, ultimately resulting in their downfall. It is a central theme in ancient literature, illustrating the tension between human ambition and the limits imposed by the gods, emphasizing the consequences of overstepping boundaries.
Komos: Komos refers to a festive procession or revelry that often involved singing, dancing, and merrymaking, typically associated with Dionysian celebrations in ancient Greece. It played a significant role in the social and cultural life of the Greeks and was a precursor to certain dramatic performances, influencing the structure and themes of Greek tragedy as well as the performative aspects of theater.
Moral conflict: Moral conflict refers to the struggle between different ethical principles or values that individuals or characters face, leading to a dilemma where one must choose between competing moral imperatives. In the context of Greek tragedy, this concept is central as it drives the narrative, reveals the characters' inner turmoil, and showcases the consequences of their choices on both personal and societal levels.
Peripeteia: Peripeteia is a Greek term that refers to a sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances, particularly in a dramatic narrative. This concept is crucial in the structure of Greek tragedy, as it often marks a turning point in the protagonist's journey, leading to their ultimate downfall or realization. It also highlights the themes of fate and free will, as characters grapple with forces beyond their control, resulting in moments that reflect divine justice and the unpredictability of life.
Prologue: A prologue is an introductory section of a literary work, particularly in Greek tragedy, that sets the stage for the action to come. It typically provides essential background information about characters, events, or themes that will be explored in the play. This opening segment is crucial as it helps to establish context and engage the audience's interest before the main action unfolds.
Protagonist: The protagonist is the central character in a narrative, often facing a conflict that drives the plot forward. This character typically experiences significant growth or change throughout the story, making decisions that reveal their motivations and values. In the context of Greek tragedy, the protagonist is usually a noble figure whose downfall is brought about by a tragic flaw or an external force, leading to profound consequences.
Religious rituals: Religious rituals are formalized actions performed in a religious context, often involving symbolic gestures, words, and ceremonies that express belief, community, and devotion. They serve as a means to connect the participants with the divine, the sacred, and each other, often marking significant events or transitions in life such as birth, marriage, or death. In the context of Greek tragedy, these rituals played a crucial role in shaping the themes and structure of the performances.
Satyr Play: A satyr play is a form of ancient Greek drama that was characterized by its humorous and often bawdy content, featuring satyrs—half-man, half-goat creatures from Greek mythology. These plays were typically performed as part of a trilogy of tragedies during festivals, providing comic relief and a contrasting tone to the serious themes of the tragedies that preceded them.
Sophocles: Sophocles was a prominent ancient Greek playwright, known for his contributions to the genre of tragedy during the 5th century BCE. His works, which often explore themes of fate, free will, and moral responsibility, have significantly shaped the structure and depth of Greek tragedy, influencing both literature and religious thought in the ancient world.
Spectacle: In the context of Greek tragedy, spectacle refers to the visual elements of a performance, including scenery, costumes, and special effects that enhance the storytelling. It plays a crucial role in evoking emotions and engaging the audience, often complementing the themes and narratives presented in the dialogue and action.
Strophe: A strophe is a structural element in ancient Greek poetry, particularly in the context of Greek tragedy, where it refers to the first part of a choral ode. This section is characterized by its rhythmic and metrical arrangement, often leading into a corresponding antistrophe that follows. The strophe serves as a way for the chorus to express emotions, themes, or reactions to the unfolding narrative of the play, making it an essential component of the overall structure and impact of Greek tragedies.
Thespis: Thespis is often regarded as the first actor in ancient Greek theater, credited with introducing the concept of individual performance and dialogue in dramatic presentations. His innovations laid the groundwork for the development of Greek tragedy, marking a significant shift from the chorus-based storytelling to more complex character-driven narratives that included interactions between actors and the chorus.
Tragedy: Tragedy is a dramatic genre that explores themes of human suffering, fate, and moral dilemmas, often leading to the downfall of the protagonist. This genre originated in ancient Greece and is characterized by its structured format, which typically includes a prologue, episodes, and a final exodus. The emotional depth and ethical questions raised in tragedies have influenced not only the theatrical arts but also philosophical and literary discourse throughout Western history.