Tragedy & Comedy Exam 1

Where did Greek theater originate and where did it flourish?

It originated in Syracuse and flourished in Athens during the 5th century BCE.

What made Athens a key cultural center for theater?

Its naval empire, wealth, and freedom fostered artistic and theatrical innovation.

What religious festival was central to Greek tragedy?

The City Dionysia, a festival honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and theater.

What unusual object was paraded during the opening of the festival?

A giant wooden phallus, symbolizing fertility and Dionysian ecstasy.

What was the political function of the Dionysia festival?

It showcased Athenian power by requiring tribute and representatives from subject provinces.

How many days did the festival last and what types of plays were performed?

5 days: Days 1-2 were for comedies, Days 3-5 for tragedies and satyr plays.

How were victors chosen at the festival?

A panel of 10 judges selected winners; prizes included a goat or ivy crown.

What was the typical length of a tragedy performance?

About 2 hours per play, with up to 7 hours of performances per day.

Why were actors viewed skeptically in Athens?

Acting was seen as a sophisticated form of lying.

What was the capacity of the Theater of Dionysus?

Between 13,000 and 17,000 spectators.

What materials made up the original Theater of Dionysus?

Wooden benches built into the hillside.

What is the "skene" in Greek theater?

The backdrop structure, usually representing a palace or house.

What is the "orchestra" in Greek theater?

The circular space where the chorus performed and danced.

What are the "eisodoi" in Greek theater?

The side entrances used by actors and chorus members.

What is the "theatron" in Greek theater?

The seating/viewing area for the audience.

How many principal actors were allowed in a Greek tragedy?

Three, plus the chorus.

What did all actors wear in Greek tragedy?

Masks, which amplified their voices and distinguished characters.

What is the typical structure of a Greek tragedy?

Prologue → Parodos (chorus entry) → Episodes alternating with Choral Odes → Exodus.

Who was Aeschylus and what was his style?

A soldier-poet (525-455 BCE) known for cosmic themes and heavy use of the chorus.

How many of Aeschylus' plays survive?

6 out of approximately 70-90.

What trilogy is Aeschylus most famous for?

The Oresteia: Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, Eumenides.

Who was Sophocles and what was he known for?

Athenian playwright (496-406 BCE) who refined tragedy with deeper characters and more complex plots.

How many plays did Sophocles write and how many survive?

He wrote about 120 plays; 7 survive.

What civic roles did Sophocles hold in Athens?

He was a treasurer and general, showing deep involvement in civic and religious life.

What trilogy of plays by Sophocles is often grouped together?

Antigone, Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus.

Who was Euripides and what was his reputation?

A philosophical innovator (480-406 BCE) known for incorporating psychology and skepticism into tragedy.

How many of Euripides' plays survive?

19 out of about 90.

How many victories did Euripides have during his lifetime?

Only four victories, despite later becoming the most widely read tragedian.

Which famous play by Euripides was performed after his death?

The Bacchae, performed in 405 BCE and won first prize posthumously.

What trend occurred with the role of the chorus over time?

It diminished in importance from Aeschylus to Euripides.

What was the purpose of the pre-event at the Dionysia festival?

Scenes from plays were previewed for a committee to choose which got performed.

What is a satyr play?

A short, bawdy, half-comedic piece performed after a trilogy of tragedies.

What was the most prestigious award at the Dionysia?

An ivy crown, considered a high civic and religious honor.

What does the word "tragedy" literally come from?

"Goat song" - possibly referencing the goat given as a prize.

What was the general attitude toward reading plays vs. seeing them?

Plays were meant to be seen once; texts were secondary and rarely read by the public.

How did Greek theater reflect Athens' civic identity?

It celebrated cultural sophistication and political dominance through public performance.

What made Dionysus unique among the gods of tragedy?

He was the only god to appear onstage as himself (The Bacchae).

What was the function of the chorus in tragedy?

Commentary, reflection, and emotional amplification of the action.

What was the typical number of chorus members?

Around 12-15 men.

What are the key formal principles of tragedy?

Use of meter (spoken iambic), alternation between speech and song, mythic subject matter, three-actor structure.