Greek Tragedy

Aeschylus

• Conservative, patriotic, religious
• Compared with Shakespeare
• Believed Zeus led people from suffering into truth

Sophocles

• 2nd of 3 classical Greek dramatists
• Most popular
• Wealthy, well-educated
• Doesn't believe gods are concerned with humans' daily experiences
• Oedipus the King = masterpiece

Euripides

• Most private of the three tragedians, least popular during his lifetime
• Skeptical of the existence of the gods
• Saw gods as anthropomorphized human emotions/powerful forces

Athens in 5th Century B.C.

• Golden Age of Greece
• By modern standards, Athens was small, crowded, and dirty
• Population 300,000
• No running water in homes, no central heat, inadequate light
• And yet, the foundations of modern Western civilization were established

Athens in 5th Century B.C.

• European philosophy, history, drama, architecture, and sculpture created
• How were they so successful?
• Athens was victorious against Persians at Battle of Marathon (confidence)
• Athens was the first democracy in the world (direct democracy)
• Athenians were directly involved in the life of the community (progressive)

Characteristics of Greek Theater

• Greeks also invented the theater
• Oldest element was the chorus
• In Greek, chorus means "dance"
• Began as celebration of Dionysus
• Drama and religion connected

Characteristics of Greek Theater

• Plays based on stories audience knew
• Chorus presented odes - illustrated broader social/religious issues
• Dramatists were deeply aware of life's pain and sorrow
• Audience was reminded that human potential often leads to pride

Aristotle on Tragedy

Aristotle on Tragedy

• Tragedy = imitation of things as they should be (not as they are)
• Plot is the most important element of tragedy - imitation of life (mimesis)
• Tragedy brought about catharsis (cleansing) in spectators
• Audience experienced pity and fear before leaving uplifted
• Audience better understood ways of gods and man

Aristotle on Tragedy

• To Greeks, the tragic hero simply experienced changes
• The audience must be able to identify with the protagonist
• His misfortune is brought about by some error in judgment or frailty
• His frailty is often hubris or pride

Aristotle's Poetics: Dramatic Unities

• Unity of action - one main action, few subplots
• Unity of place - single physical space
• Unity of time - action should take place in 24 hrs max