Greek Word Vocab

HONORS Mid Term 1

mimesis

imitation

Hamartia

when a hero or character realizes they are prone to mistakes, but not the fault that will lead to their downfall (error, mistake, missing the target)

Anagnorisis

recognition

Peripeteia

reversal (good to bad)

Catharsis

purgation, purification) = pity or fear

Strophe

chorus dances in one direction

antistrophe

chorus then dances in another direction

Stichomythia

Characters go back and forth speaking single lines or ½ lines (escalates a sense of conflict)

skene

stage (Ob-scene things happen off stage)

Physis

the nature of things is to be what they are

Hegemonkion

the central ruling part of the soul

Andra

the man (first word of the poem, man in the gendered sense)

Polytropos

(an epithet that describes a person; twists and turns or intelligence used) (Used to describe someone)

Nostos

the theme of the Odyssey (return)

Metis

wisdom or cunning

Kleos

reputation/fame

Arete

excellence, virtue, or fulfillment of one’s potential

Charis

grace or beauty

Hybris

heroes

Menis

divine wrath

Moira

fate

Xenia

(guest/host relationship)

Hubris

excessive pride or self-confidence