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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.
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