Greek Theater

A QUICK!! Overview

The Known Playwrights• Thespis- the first actor

– One character stepped forward from the chorus to narrate or tell the story

• Aeschylus– Added a second character and dialog

• Sophocles– Used three characters and created more realistic

dramatic scenes

• Euripides– Created psychologically complex characters

Sophocles

• Developed form of tragedy to a high art• Plays focused on humans under the

influence of the gods• Stories taught moral and social lessons• Oedipus Cycle

– Told the story of a great king who violated the rules of the gods (and society)

Oedipus Rex

• Oedipus was raised as an orphan

• Went to search for his true origins

• Killed the Sphynx, became king and married the former queen

• Learned that she was his mother!!

• Blinded himself and became an exile

What lessons do we learn?

• Humility– Only the gods can determine the path of

your life

• Sometimes you can see the truth better when you are blind.

Sources

• Discovery Education• Oedipus Mask:

http://faculty.gilman.edu/.../EH31_SPR_F_02-03.htm

• Great Buildings On Line:http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Theater_at_Epidauros.html

Essential Question

• What role did the gods and oracles, fate and self-determination play in the everyday lives of the Greeks?

Discussion Questions

In what ways can one’s destiny be predicted?

How many of you believe in prophecies?

Discussion Questions• Can you name any political leader who

has made a mistake which cost him/her his career (or even life)?

• What motivated the leader to make the mistake?

• Can you think of any examples where pride was the major factor?

Hubris

• Hubris is the Greek concept of pride. It is a pride that is likely to invoke the wrath of the gods.

Dramatic irony

• The audience knows information that the characters do not.

(Bell Work)Ticket out the Door

• Revisit page 471. When Oedipus responds to the priest, what does his response reveal about his character?

• What news does Creon bring back from the gods? (473) What does Creon say must be done?

(Bell Work)Close reading for characterization

• Revisit page 482, lines 428-455 or • Page 483, lines 460-486.• 1. Give a summary of the lines. What is

Oedipus or Teiresias saying to the other? • 2. What do these lines reveal about

Oedipus’ character. Note what the lines say and how Oedipus’ responds to the news.

Class Reading of Oedipus

• The play Oedipus the King was written nearly 2500 years ago and is considered one of the greatest Greek tragedies.

• To “see” the play unfold, take notes on the development of Greek theater.