oedipus rex unit background. greek drama in general
TRANSCRIPT
Conventions of Greek Conventions of Greek DramaDrama
Religion/CompetitionReligion/Competition
Outdoor Theater Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater)(Amphitheater)
Chorus/Stylized MasksChorus/Stylized Masks
Conventions – Conventions – Religion/CompetitionReligion/Competition
Based on Based on mythology/historymythology/history
Performed in festivals Performed in festivals to honor Dionysusto honor Dionysus
votes cast and prizes awarded (first, second, third, votes cast and prizes awarded (first, second, third, etc.)etc.)
Sophocles wrote 123 plays during his lifetime; 24 Sophocles wrote 123 plays during his lifetime; 24 won first prize and the rest won second.won first prize and the rest won second.
Conventions - AmphitheaterConventions - Amphitheater
Theater Theater of of
Dionysus Dionysus
in Athensin Athens
Parts of a Greek TheaterParts of a Greek Theater Orchestra – normally Orchestra – normally
circular; chorus used circular; chorus used this space to sing, this space to sing, dance, interact with dance, interact with actors on the stageactors on the stage
Theatron – spectator Theatron – spectator section; usually part section; usually part of hillside sloping of hillside sloping down toward down toward orchestra; often orchestra; often wrapped around large wrapped around large portion of orchestra; portion of orchestra; held 14,000 to 15,000 held 14,000 to 15,000 spectatorsspectators
AboveAbove Section of Theatron, Section of Theatron,
including restored including restored entrance to stage left entrance to stage left paradosparados
In EpidavrosIn Epidavros
Parts of a Greek TheaterParts of a Greek Theater
Skene – Skene – building behind the building behind the stage; usually decorated as stage; usually decorated as setting (temple, palace); had setting (temple, palace); had at least one set of doors; at least one set of doors; access to roofaccess to roof
Proskenion – Proskenion – wide shallow wide shallow stage in front of the skenestage in front of the skene
Parodos – Parodos – paths by which paths by which chorus and some actors chorus and some actors (messengers, travelers) enter (messengers, travelers) enter and exit the stage; used by and exit the stage; used by audience to enter/exit theateraudience to enter/exit theater
Conventions - AmphitheaterConventions - Amphitheater
South Slope South Slope of the of the
Theater of Theater of Dionysus Dionysus
AthensAthens
Conventions - ChorusConventions - Chorus Group varying from Group varying from
three to 50; believed to three to 50; believed to be 15 by the time of be 15 by the time of SophoclesSophocles
Main commentators on Main commentators on character and eventscharacter and events
Sung and danced in Sung and danced in unisonunison
Sometimes exchanged Sometimes exchanged dialogue with main dialogue with main characterscharacters
Rarely spoke individuallyRarely spoke individually
Conventions - ChorusConventions - Chorus
Functions of the ChorusFunctions of the Chorus– An agent to give advice, ask questions, take An agent to give advice, ask questions, take
part in the actionpart in the action– Establish ethical framework, and set up the Establish ethical framework, and set up the
standard by which the action will be judgedstandard by which the action will be judged– Ideal spectator – reacts as playwright hopes Ideal spectator – reacts as playwright hopes
the audience wouldthe audience would– Sets mood and heightens dramatic effectsSets mood and heightens dramatic effects– Adds movement, spectacle, song, and danceAdds movement, spectacle, song, and dance– Rhythmical function – pauses/paces the action Rhythmical function – pauses/paces the action
so that the audience can reflectso that the audience can reflect
Conventions - MasksConventions - Masks
probably designed probably designed to enhance to enhance projectionprojection
allowed few actors allowed few actors to play multiple to play multiple rolesroles– only three actors for only three actors for
each play each play (debatable)(debatable)– all performers were all performers were
menmen
Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics
Brief book by Greek Brief book by Greek philosopher and philosopher and scientist, Aristotle scientist, Aristotle (384-322)(384-322)
Includes first and most Includes first and most influential analysis of influential analysis of dramadrama
Defines tragedy as an Defines tragedy as an “imitation of life”“imitation of life”
Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics Catharsis – an emotional purification or relief Catharsis – an emotional purification or relief
brought about by viewing the tragedybrought about by viewing the tragedy
Hubris – reckless pride, sometimes brought Hubris – reckless pride, sometimes brought about by a belief the protagonist has that about by a belief the protagonist has that s/he is above the fates or in control of destinys/he is above the fates or in control of destiny
Hamartia – a character fault or mistake (like Hamartia – a character fault or mistake (like an Achilles heel rather than a flaw for which an Achilles heel rather than a flaw for which s/he can be held directly responsible)s/he can be held directly responsible)
Anagnorisis – process of recognition, in which Anagnorisis – process of recognition, in which the protagonist sees his/her own nature and the protagonist sees his/her own nature and destiny more clearly than beforedestiny more clearly than before
Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics
ElementElementss
ofofDramaDrama
Six elements of tragedySix elements of tragedy
In Aristotle’s order of In Aristotle’s order of importanceimportance– Subject MatterSubject Matter
PlotPlot CharacterCharacter ThoughtThought
– Language and PerformanceLanguage and Performance DictionDiction SongSong SpectacleSpectacle
PoeticsPoetics Elements – Subject Elements – Subject MatterMatter
Plot – “the sole of tragedy”Plot – “the sole of tragedy”– arrangement of the incidents to include a beginning, a arrangement of the incidents to include a beginning, a
middle, and an endmiddle, and an end Character – hero is “above the common level”Character – hero is “above the common level”
– should stress morality, be appropriate, be true to life, should stress morality, be appropriate, be true to life, and be consistentand be consistent
Thought – is found “where something is proved Thought – is found “where something is proved to be or not to be, or a general maxim is to be or not to be, or a general maxim is enunciated”enunciated”– main idea or concept that characters make concrete in main idea or concept that characters make concrete in
action of the dramaaction of the drama– Example: “Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain Example: “Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain
at last.” (stated by chorus at the end of Oedipus Rex)at last.” (stated by chorus at the end of Oedipus Rex)
PoeticsPoetics Elements – Language Elements – Language and Performanceand Performance
Diction – “the expression of meaning in Diction – “the expression of meaning in words”words”– Clear without being commonplaceClear without being commonplace
Song – simply, musicSong – simply, music Spectacle – technical stagecraftSpectacle – technical stagecraft
– ““The spectacle has, indeed, an emotional The spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but of all the parts, it is the attraction of its own, but of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry… The production of spectacular effects poetry… The production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.”than on that of the poet.”
Greek Tragedy - StructureGreek Tragedy - Structure ProloguePrologue: spoken by one or two characters before : spoken by one or two characters before
the chorus appears; usually gives background the chorus appears; usually gives background necessary for understanding the events of the playnecessary for understanding the events of the play
ParodosParodos: the song sung by chorus as it first enters : the song sung by chorus as it first enters
EpisodeEpisode: a scene: a scene
Stasimon/OdeStasimon/Ode: chorus dances and sings after other : chorus dances and sings after other characters have exited; usually reflects on play’s characters have exited; usually reflects on play’s action and puts it into some kind of larger action and puts it into some kind of larger mythological frameworkmythological framework
ExodosExodos: chorus exits singing a processional song : chorus exits singing a processional song which typically offers words of wisdom related to which typically offers words of wisdom related to actions and outcome of the playactions and outcome of the play
SophoclesSophocles 496 496 B.C.B.C.(in Athens) to 406 (in Athens) to 406
B.C.B.C.
Founded Thiasos of Muses Founded Thiasos of Muses (society for advancement (society for advancement of music and literature)of music and literature)
Very active in politics of Very active in politics of the new democracythe new democracy
Two sons: Iophon (with Two sons: Iophon (with wife, Nicostrate), and wife, Nicostrate), and illegitimate Ariston (with illegitimate Ariston (with Theoris)Theoris)
““Theban Trilogy” – Theban Trilogy” – Oedipus RexOedipus Rex, , Oedipus at Oedipus at ColonusColonus, , AntigoneAntigone (written first)(written first)
Sophocles – Characteristics of Sophocles – Characteristics of PlaysPlays
– emphasis on individual characters emphasis on individual characters – reduced role of chorus reduced role of chorus – complex characters, psychologically well-motivated complex characters, psychologically well-motivated – characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering
and self-recognition - including a higher law above and self-recognition - including a higher law above man man
– exposition carefully motivated exposition carefully motivated – scenes suspensefully climactic scenes suspensefully climactic – action clear and logical action clear and logical – poetry clear and beautiful poetry clear and beautiful – few elaborate visual effects few elaborate visual effects – theme emphasized: the choices of people theme emphasized: the choices of people
Sophocles – “Sophoclean Sophocles – “Sophoclean Heroes”Heroes”
Stubborn and self-willedStubborn and self-willed Reject adviceReject advice Cut off from family or societyCut off from family or society Pursue own purposes and form own Pursue own purposes and form own
identitiesidentities
Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Dramatic – Dramatic StructureStructure
Setting: Setting: palace at Thebes over the course of a daypalace at Thebes over the course of a day
ProloguePrologue– Details problem and steps Oedipus has taken to correct itDetails problem and steps Oedipus has taken to correct it
ParodosParodos– Chorus’ lament, and prayer to various GodsChorus’ lament, and prayer to various Gods
First Episode/SceneFirst Episode/Scene– Oedipus and Tiresias’ argument over prophecyOedipus and Tiresias’ argument over prophecy
First Stasimon/OdeFirst Stasimon/Ode– Chorus sides with OedipusChorus sides with Oedipus
Second Episode/SceneSecond Episode/Scene– Oedipus and Creon conflictOedipus and Creon conflict– Jocasta tells her storyJocasta tells her story
Second Stasimon/OdeSecond Stasimon/Ode– Choral response critical of OedipusChoral response critical of Oedipus
Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Dramatic – Dramatic StructureStructure
Third Episode/SceneThird Episode/Scene– Jocasta appeals to godsJocasta appeals to gods– Corinthian messenger arrives with news Corinthian messenger arrives with news
Third Stasimon/OdeThird Stasimon/Ode– Chorus appeals to DionysusChorus appeals to Dionysus
Fourth Episode/SceneFourth Episode/Scene– Shepherd is broughtShepherd is brought– Oedipus realizes his identityOedipus realizes his identity
Fourth Stasimon/OdeFourth Stasimon/Ode– Chorus expresses pity for Oedipus Chorus expresses pity for Oedipus
ExodosExodos– Messenger reports fates of Jocasta and OedipusMessenger reports fates of Jocasta and Oedipus– Creon banishes OedipusCreon banishes Oedipus– Choral Leader censures peopleChoral Leader censures people
Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Thematic – Thematic TopicsTopics
Knowledge and Knowledge and IgnoranceIgnorance
Public vs. Public vs. Private LifePrivate Life
Choices and Choices and ConsequencesConsequences
Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Historical – Historical ContextContext
Civil and Moral UnrestCivil and Moral Unrest– City-states competing for trade, City-states competing for trade,
commerce, artistic superioritycommerce, artistic superiority– 429 B.C. - great plague kills 2/3 429 B.C. - great plague kills 2/3
population of Athenspopulation of Athens Democracy and GovernmentDemocracy and Government
– Full citizenship given only to menFull citizenship given only to men– Women and slaves followed different Women and slaves followed different
code of conductcode of conduct
Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Historical – Historical ContextContext
Playwrights and DramaPlaywrights and Drama– Established traditions of comedy and Established traditions of comedy and
tragedytragedy– The Great Dionysia festival competitionThe Great Dionysia festival competition
The SophistsThe Sophists– Group broke with traditionGroup broke with tradition– Focused more on the study of the Focused more on the study of the
actions of humankind than on standard actions of humankind than on standard legends of gods and goddesseslegends of gods and goddesses
Works CitedWorks CitedAbel, Lisa, ed. Theatre: Art in Action. Lincolnwood: National Textbook Company, 1999. 66-68, 530-532.Abel, Lisa, ed. Theatre: Art in Action. Lincolnwood: National Textbook Company, 1999. 66-68, 530-532.““Ancient Greek Theater.” 27 Nov 2007. <http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Ancient Greek Theater.” 27 Nov 2007. <http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Best, Michael. “Greek Terms Used in Tragedy.” Best, Michael. “Greek Terms Used in Tragedy.” Shakespeare's Life and TimesShakespeare's Life and Times. 2001-2005. 27 Nov. . 2001-2005. 27 Nov.
2007. <http://ise.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/intro/introcite.html>.2007. <http://ise.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/intro/introcite.html>.Englert, Walter. “Ancient Greek Theater”. 28 Nov 2007. Englert, Walter. “Ancient Greek Theater”. 28 Nov 2007.
<http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html><http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Johnson, William. “Oedipus The King, by Sophocles.” Fall 2006. 28 Nov. 2007. Johnson, William. “Oedipus The King, by Sophocles.” Fall 2006. 28 Nov. 2007.
<http://classics.uc.edu/~johnson/tragedy/oedipus_king.html><http://classics.uc.edu/~johnson/tragedy/oedipus_king.html>““Masks.” 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.greekhandicraft.com/mask.html>Masks.” 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.greekhandicraft.com/mask.html>““Offerings Made Before the Image of Dionysus”. Dionysus. Fall 1997. 27 Nov. 2007. Offerings Made Before the Image of Dionysus”. Dionysus. Fall 1997. 27 Nov. 2007.
<http://www.holycross.edu/departments/classics/jhamilton/mythology/dionysus/><http://www.holycross.edu/departments/classics/jhamilton/mythology/dionysus/>Reynolds, Will. “The Republican Chorus.” Online blog. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. 3 Nov. Reynolds, Will. “The Republican Chorus.” Online blog. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. 3 Nov.
2006. 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.thereisaway.us/campaigning/>2006. 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.thereisaway.us/campaigning/>Siegel, Janice. “Dr. J’s Illustrated Greek Theater.” 27 Nov. 2007. Siegel, Janice. “Dr. J’s Illustrated Greek Theater.” 27 Nov. 2007.
<http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/lectures/theater/ancient_greek_theater.shtm><http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/lectures/theater/ancient_greek_theater.shtm>““Sophocles.” Ancient/Classical History. 2007. 27 Nov 2007. Sophocles.” Ancient/Classical History. 2007. 27 Nov 2007.
<http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/events/ig/5th-Century-Greece-and-Rome/Sophocles.--1B.htm><http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/events/ig/5th-Century-Greece-and-Rome/Sophocles.--1B.htm>““Sophocles.” Perseus Encyclopedia. 28 Nov 2007. <http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?Sophocles.” Perseus Encyclopedia. 28 Nov 2007. <http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?
doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0004&layout=&loc=sophocles>doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0004&layout=&loc=sophocles>Stenudd, Stefan. “Aristotle’s Writing.” 2006. <http://www.stenudd.com/myth/greek/aristotle/aristotle-Stenudd, Stefan. “Aristotle’s Writing.” 2006. <http://www.stenudd.com/myth/greek/aristotle/aristotle-
06-writing.htm>06-writing.htm>Trumbull, Eric W. “Ancient Greek Theatre.” Trumbull, Eric W. “Ancient Greek Theatre.” Introduction to TheatreIntroduction to Theatre. 1998-2007. 27 Nov. 2007. . 1998-2007. 27 Nov. 2007.
<http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/spd130et/ancientgreek.htm><http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/spd130et/ancientgreek.htm>Weimelt, J. “The Classical Greek Chorus” 28 Nov. 2007. Weimelt, J. “The Classical Greek Chorus” 28 Nov. 2007.
<http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/jwiemelt/classes/engl230/chorus.htm><http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/jwiemelt/classes/engl230/chorus.htm>
strophe
• Greek: turn, bend, twist
• forms the first part of the ode in Ancient Greek tragedy
• "strophe, antistrophe and epode were a kind of stanza framed only for the music," with the strophe chanted by a Greek chorus as it moved from right to left across the scene. (John Milton)