Untitled Flashcards Set

Dionysus

The god of theater and wine who journeys to the Underworld to retrieve Euripides.

Xanthias

Dionysus’ slave, who is funnier and wittier than his master.

Aeschylus

The older tragedian who values heroic virtue and grand themes, ultimately wins the competition.

Euripides

The modern tragedian criticized for weakening moral values, emphasizing cleverness and psychological depth.

Charon

The ferryman of the Underworld who refuses to let Xanthias row the boat.

Pluto (Hades)

The ruler of the Underworld who oversees the contest between Aeschylus and Euripides.

Agamemnon

The king of Argos, murdered by his wife Clytemnestra after returning from the Trojan War.

Clytemnestra

Agamemnon's wife who kills him to avenge Iphigenia and assert her power.

Cassandra

A Trojan princess and prophetess who foresees Agamemnon’s murder and her own death.

Aegisthus

Agamemnon’s cousin and Clytemnestra’s lover who supports her revenge.

Orestes

Son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, who returns to avenge his father’s death.

Electra

Orestes’ sister who is loyal to their father and prays for justice.

Eumenides

The Furies who pursue Orestes for killing his mother and later become the Kindly Ones.

Athena

The goddess who establishes the first trial by jury in Eumenides.

Oedipus

The tragic hero of Oedipus the King who fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother.

Jocasta

Oedipus’ wife and mother who realizes the truth about their relationship before he does.

Creon

The brother of Jocasta who becomes king after Oedipus’ downfall, valuing order.

Tiresias

The blind prophet who reveals the truth to Oedipus, who refuses to believe him.

Antigone

The heroine who defies Creon’s law to bury her brother, believing divine law is greater.

Haemon

Creon’s son and Antigone’s fiancé who pleads for her life.

The chorus in Agamemnon

Comments on themes of justice and suffering, foreshadowing the cycle of vengeance.

Theme of Fate vs. Free Will

Explored in Oedipus the King, questioning whether people can escape their fate.

Theme of Justice & Revenge

The shift from personal revenge (blood justice) to legal justice as seen in Oresteia.

Dionysus' quote on tragedy

“Shall I choose the one who writes clever lines or the one who uplifts souls?” representing the play's satire.

Orestes' moral conflict

“Shall I be shamed to kill my mother?” highlights his struggle between revenge and divine duty.

Significance of Tiresias' blindness

Illustrates the theme of sight versus blindness in Oedipus the King.

Aristophanes

An ancient Greek playwright known for his comedic plays, including Frogs, which critiques tragedy and explores the role of art in society.

Dionysus in Frogs

The god of theater who travels to the Underworld to retrieve Euripides but ultimately chooses Aeschylus as the superior tragedian.

Xanthias in Frogs

Dionysus' clever and witty slave, often switching roles with his master for comedic effect.

Aeschylus' view on tragedy

Aeschylus argues that tragedy should uplift the audience and improve society rather than merely entertain.

Euripides' portrayal in Frogs

Criticized for his emphasis on cleverness and psychological depth, which some believe weakens moral values.

Charon

The ferryman of the Underworld in Frogs who denies Xanthias the ability to row the boat.

Pluto (Hades) in Frogs

The ruler of the Underworld overseeing the comedic debate between Aeschylus and Euripides.

Cassandra in Agamemnon

A cursed Trojan princess who foresees disaster but is never believed.

Pylades

Orestes’ loyal companion who urges him to avenge Agamemnon’s murder.

The Furies in Eumenides

Ancient deities of vengeance pursuing Orestes for matricide, later transformed into the Kindly Ones.

Apollo's role in Eumenides

Commands Orestes to avenge Agamemnon and later serves as his defender in the trial.

Antigone's defiance

Antigone fights for divine law over human law, risking her life to honor her brother Polynices.

Creon's rule in Antigone

Emphasizes political stability at the expense of family loyalty, leading to tragic outcomes.

Ismene's initial response

Antigone's sister who hesitates to defy Creon's law, representing fear of authority.

Themes of Justice in Oresteia

Explores the transition from personal revenge to a legal justice system, culminating in the establishment of a trial by jury.

Sight vs. Blindness in Oedipus the King

Contrasts physical blindness with ignorance; Tiresias sees truth while Oedipus remains unaware.

Power & Leadership in Antigone

Examines the qualities of leadership and the consequences of ignoring the voice of the populace.

Art's Role in Society in Frogs

Debate on whether art should aim to educate morally or simply entertain the audience.

The Furies (Erinyes)

Ancient deities of vengeance who pursue Orestes for killing his mother, later transformed into the Kindly Ones.

Pylades' role in Libation Bearers

Orestes’ loyal companion who reminds him of his duty to avenge Agamemnon.

Apollo's command in Eumenides

He commands Orestes to avenge Agamemnon and later defends him in court.

Athena's role in Eumenides

The goddess who establishes the first trial by jury, marking the transition from blood vengeance to legal justice.

Tiresias' significance in Antigone

The blind prophet who warns Creon that his stubbornness will lead to disaster, highlighting ignored prophecy.

The theme of Gender & Power in Oresteia

Explores how Clytemnestra and Antigone challenge or reinforce male authority.

Blindness vs. Knowledge in Oedipus

Contrasts physical blindness with ignorance; Tiresias sees the truth while Oedipus is unaware.

The role of Art in Society in Frogs

Debates whether art should aim to educate morally or simply entertain the audience.

Creon's tragic flaw in Antigone

Prioritizes political stability over family loyalty, leading to tragic consequences.

Aeschylus vs. Euripides in Frogs

The debate on tragedy's effectiveness; Aeschylus represents moral lessons while Euripides emphasizes realism.

Hubris (ὕβρις)

Arrogance, excessive pride, or defiance of the gods, often seen in tragic heroes leading to their downfall.

Anagnorisis (ἀναγνώρισις)

Recognition or discovery, a critical moment in Greek tragedies that reveals a character's self-awareness or truth.

Catharsis (κάθαρσις)

The purification of emotions through experiencing tragedy, central to Aristotle’s theory.

Moira (μοῖρα)

Fate or destiny, a divine force against which characters often struggle.

Ate (ἄτη)

Madness or blindness inflicted by the gods, leading to disastrous decisions.

Hamartia (ἁμαρτία)

A tragic flaw or error in judgment causing a character’s downfall.

Chorus (χορός)

A group of performers that comments on the action, giving societal and moral perspective.

Dike (δίκη)

Justice or divine law, vital to the themes in many Greek plays.

Sophrosyne (σωφροσύνη)

Moderation and self-control, seen as a virtue that tragic heroes fail to embody.

Tyche (τύχη)

Fortune or luck, highlighting the unpredictability of fate in human life.

Nemesis (Νέμεσις)

The goddess of retribution who enforces justice for those guilty of hubris.

Parodos (πάροδος)

The first entrance of the chorus, setting the tone and introducing main themes.

Dionysus' Journey in Frogs

Dionysus travels to the Underworld to bring back Euripides, showcasing his role in the world of theater.

Plague in Oedipus the King

The play opens with a plague afflicting Thebes, setting the stage for Oedipus' quest for truth.

Clytemnestra's Justification

In Agamemnon, Clytemnestra claims her husband's murder is revenge for the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia.

Antigone's Punishment

Creon sentences Antigone to death by entombment for defying his edict to not bury her brother.

Libation Bearers Title Origin

The play gets its name from the libations poured by Electra and the chorus at Agamemnon’s tomb.

Areopagus in Eumenides

Athena establishes the Areopagus, the first court of law for homicide cases.

The Oresteia Trilogy

The only surviving complete tragedy trilogy by Aeschylus, consisting of Agamemnon, Libation Bearers, and Eumenides.

Oedipus' Prophecy

Prophesies that Oedipus will kill his father Laius and marry his mother Jocasta.

Athena's Vote in Eumenides

In Orestes’ trial, Athena casts the deciding vote in favor of Orestes, determining his fate.

Genre of Frogs

Frogs is classified as a comedy, contrasting with the tragedies from the syllabus.

Themes in Oedipus the King

Explores commands of fate, the pursuit of truth, and the consequences of knowledge.

Themes in Antigone

Focuses on the balance between law, order, and moral duty in the face of authority.

Clytemnestra's Character Traits

Described as sarcastic and cunning, she embodies the themes of revenge and manipulation.

Role of the Chorus

Often provides moral lessons or foreshadowing within the plays, guiding audience interpretation.

Dionysus and Xanthias' Dialogue

Their exchanges in Frogs blend humor and critiques of society, highlighting the comedic elements.

Fate vs. Free Will in Oedipus the King

Key theme questioning whether characters can escape their predetermined destiny.

Justice vs. Revenge in the Oresteia

Tracks the transition from personal vengeance to legal justice through the trilogy.

Law vs. Morality in Antigone

Explores the conflicts between personal ethics and societal laws.

Wisdom in Oedipus the King

“Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness; and reverence toward the gods must be inviolate.”

Oedipus' Self-Accusation

“I say you are the murderer whom you seek.” showcases his tragic pursuit of truth.

Antigone's Resolve

“Shall I, who have suffered so much, yield now? No, my work is done.” reflects her determination.

Love's Importance in Oedipus

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.” highlights love's power.

Justice in Eumenides

“Justice turns the wheel.” signifies the moral underpinnings of the court's decisions.

Fear of Tomorrow in Frogs

“No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.” reflects on life's uncertainty.

Lifelong Learning in Frogs

“Old men are always young enough to learn, with profit.” underscores the value of wisdom.

Character: Tiresias

The blind prophet whose insights reveal truth in Oedipus the King, contributing to the central conflict.

Character: Clytemnestra

Agamemnon's wife who embodies revenge and cunning, driving the plot through her actions.

Character: Creon

Antigone's uncle who prioritizes law and order over familial ties, representing authority.

Character: Orestes

Son of Agamemnon, who avenges his father's death, moving the plot in the Oresteia.

Character: Xanthias

Dionysus' witty slave who adds humor and commentary in Frogs, enhancing the comedic elements.

Character: Agamemnon

King of Argos whose murder sets off the chain of revenge in the Oresteia.