Sophocles and the Themes of Antigone

Athenian Drama

Theatrical performances originating from Dionysian festivals.

Dionysian Rites

Religious festivals celebrating fertility in spring.

Aeschylus

First master of Greek tragedy, introduced innovations.

Chorus

Group influencing audience reactions and interacting with characters.

Sophocles

Playwright known for character depth and dramatic structure.

Hamartia

Tragic flaw leading to the hero's downfall.

Peripeteia

Reversal of fortune in a tragedy.

Anagnorisis

Moment of critical discovery for the protagonist.

Catastrophe

The disastrous conclusion of a tragic narrative.

Catharsis

Emotional release experienced by the audience.

Unified action

Plot structure focused on a single storyline.

Persona

Masks used to portray exaggerated emotions.

Skene

Building at the rear of the stage.

Orchestra

Circular area where the chorus performed.

Civil disobedience

Refusal to obey unjust laws for moral reasons.

Divine law

Moral principles believed to be ordained by the gods.

State law

Legal rules established by governmental authority.

Burial rites

Ceremonies performed to honor the deceased.

Tragic hero

Protagonist with noble qualities facing downfall.

Hubris

Excessive pride leading to the hero's ruin.

Cultural background

Context influencing themes and practices in Greek tragedy.

Historical setting

Context of events surrounding the creation of Antigone.