Greek Mythology / The Iliad
Apollo
Euripides most famous play is:
Medea
Why was Medea not popular when it was first performed?
Some thought it was too dark.
Did not provide the audience with a catharsis. The ending was not tied with a bow.
What decree from Creon has Antigone broken?
Who has Odysseus trapped on her island when the poem begins?
Calypso
Where does Telemachus go on his journey?
Pylos and Sparta
The trilogy of Sophocles most famous plays (that include Antigone) is called the:
Theban Plays
Hestia
Sophocles was extremely popular during his time as playwright.
True/False
True
Why is Medea banished from her homeland?
Betraying her father and helping Jason kill her brother.
Why does Creon decide to let Ismene live?
Because she was not actually involved in burying Polyneices.
What steps does Odysseus take to escape Polyphemus? (need at least 3)
1. Gets him drunk
2. Tells him his name is Nobody so that when he attacks him the cyclops says "nobody is hurting me."
3. Odysseus and his men heat up a metal rod and stabs him in the eye
4. Odysseus and his men hide under the rams as they are let out into the pasture.
Who is Odysseus telling his story to beginning in Book IX?
King Alcinous of the Phaecians
What happens to the disloyal maids and servants?
They are hung
- the maids have to clean up the house and get rid of the bodies before they are killed
What are stasimas in an ancient Greek play?
Songs of the chorus that fill in the gaps for the audience.
What is Medea's defining characteristic?
Her cleverness.
Why does Creon lock Antigone in a cave rather than just executing her?
He cannot be wholly responsible for her death.
What does Odysseus do when he approaches the Sirens?
Plugs his mens ears with wax but then ties himself to the mast
Be careful! First, go in disguised so that your wife does not kill you. Second, make sure you have no new enemies and still have a place in your home.
What is the final step of Odysseus's journey that he must complete?
He has to take a wooden oar and walk inland until he finds a group of people who not know the sea. Then he has to plant to oar and make a sacrifice to Poseidon.
Which god had a throne said to be covered in human skin?
Ares
What was the purpose of a tragedy?
What has Jason done to bring upon Medea's wrath?
What happens to Antigone? What does Haemon do when he discovers what she has done?
She hangs herself while locked in the cave.
Haemon stabs himself upon finding her body.
Gives him her immortal veil
How does Poseidon punish the Phaeacians for helping Odysseus?
Turns their boat to stone so it sinks...
Why does Creon banish Medea?
Why does he allow her to stay one day?
He is afraid of her... she is crazy
He does not think she can do any damage in one day
Which goddess is typically depicted as a young teenager due to her vow of chastity?
Artemis
What was the function of masks in an ancient Greek plays?
Helped the audience see, as masks could exaggerate facial expressions and make them visible from far away.
Allowed actors to play multiple roles
Helped indicate female roles, as all actors were male.
Originally she wants to kill: Jason, Creon, and the Princess
Later she decides to make Jason suffer the most she should let him live and she will kill: Creon, the Princess, and her children.
What was the conflict between Antigone's brothers that led to both of their deaths?
Which servants help Odysseus reclaim his home?
Eumaeus and Philotius
How are birds used as a method of foreshadowing?
- give at least one specific example
Vision of two eagles fighting
Penelope's dream of the eagle swooping down and killing all the geese
What does Haemon do when his father reaches the tomb?
Threatens him.
What is the story of the "Apple of Discord"?
What are the three genres of Greek plays?
Comedy, Tragedy, Satyr
How does Medea murder the Princess?
What happens to Euridyce at the end of the play?
She stabs herself.
How does Hermes help Odysseus against Circe?
Gives him a moly plant to help him become immune to her magic
What three (could be considered 4) prophecies does Teiresias tell Odysseus?
1. Poseidon is against you
2. There is trouble at home.
3. Do not eat the sun god's cattle.
(4. Be aware of the lack of discipline within your crew)
AND sacrifice to Poseidon when you get home.
How does Medea predict Jason will die?
Who ends up killing Achilles?
How?
Paris --- Apollo guides an arrow meant for Achilles back into his heel to ensure he dies.
What was the function of the chorus in Ancient Greek plays?
Provides background information and summary to help audience follow the play
Can express to the audience what the main characters can not say, such as hidden fears or secrets.
What is Medea's final punishment to Jason?
Not allowing him to say goodbye to his children or bury them.
What does Teiresias tell Creon?
Because he has angered the gods by not properly burying Polyneices and has Antigone locked in a cave, he will pay for his actions with bloodshed within his own household.
Penelope says she will marry the man who can...
Shoot an arrow through 12 axes in a line.
How does Penelope finally confirm Odysseus' identity?
She tells him she's moved their marriage bed to a smaller room. This angers Odysseus because he carved that bed from a fig tree and in order to move it, one would have to cut it out. His negative reaction confirms he is who says he is.
What are the elements of a Greek Tragedy (Aristotle Poetics)? Provide the term and definitions.
Hamartia: A hero’s tragic flaw.
Anagnorisis: The moment when the tragic hero realizes/recognizes something about themselves that causes a change in action.
Peripeteia: “Reversal of fortune” that shows the hero’s descent towards tragedy.