English 10/6/25

Sophocles

author of antigone

Occasion of plays

spring city, Dionysia

Who was honored at the festival

Dionysus Greek god of theater

Triology 

a set of three related plays that are performed together, often revolving around a common theme or storyline.

Tetralogy

a set of four related plays, typically including one satyr play in ancient Greek theater, presented as a complete set.

Satyr Play

A type of ancient Greek play that is a comic relief to the serious themes of the tragedies, often featuring a chorus of satyrs and humorous situations.

tragedy

A dramatic work that presents serious themes and often ends in disaster for the main characters, typically invoking catharsis in the audience.

dithyramb

A passionate choral hymn or poem dedicated to Dionysus, often performed during festivals in ancient Greece.

choragos

The leader of the chorus in ancient Greek drama, responsible for directing and sometimes providing dialogue between the chorus and characters.

thepsis

The first actor in ancient Greek drama, credited for introducing dialogue and allowing characters to interact with each other in theatrical performances.

Greek Tragedy format vocabulary 

progluge (first thing) → parados (first major choral piece) → episode (main scene of dialogue) → Stasimon (song following dialogue) → Exodus (last dramatic scene) → Deus ex machina (crane lowering the character of a god on the stage) 

hubris

downfall of a tragic hero due to excessive pride

hamartia

a heros tragic flaw

Pity 

a tragic hero must evoke pity so you feel that they have been wronged 

fortune

fortune should be bad to good

what must a hero be?

virtuous and blameless

Tragic heros death/downfall

this is result of a hero’s own free choice, but his misfortune is now wholly undeserved. 

Death/downfall is seen as a waste of human potential, but it is not a pure loss because it results in greater knowledge or awareness.