Elements of Greek Tragedy and Oedipus

These flashcards contain key vocabulary and definitions related to the elements of Greek tragedy and the play Oedipus, helping to clarify important concepts and terms found in the lecture notes.

Tragedy

A serious narrative that often explores themes of suffering, loss, and human flaws.

Hamartia

A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to a character's downfall.

Peripeteia

A sudden reversal of fortune or change in circumstances for a character.

Anagnorisis

A moment of crucial recognition or discovery within a narrative.

Catharsis

The emotional purgation experienced by an audience, often through feelings of pity and fear.

Hubris

Exaggerated pride or self-confidence, often leading to the downfall of a tragic character.

Chorus

A group of actors in ancient Greek drama that comment on the action and represent the common voice of the people.

Denouement

The final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work where tension unwinds and closure is provided.

Catastrophe

The final event of the dramatic action in a tragedy that often causes suffering to the hero and those close to them.

Tragic Irony

A dramatic effect created when the audience knows something that a character does not, leading to a tragic outcome.

Exodus

The last scene in a tragedy that often concludes the narrative.

Oedipus

A tragic play by Sophocles that showcases themes of fate, free will, and tragic irony.