Greek Drama Terms
Historical Context
Characters
Plot 1
Plot 2
100
When characters are talking to one another.
Dialogue
100
Where were ancient Greek plays performed?
Outdoors in amphitheatres
100
The King of Thebes at the beginning of the play
Oedipus
100
How did Oedipus become King of Thebes?
He solved the riddle of the Sphinx
100
Why are the people of Thebes in despair at the beginning of the play?
The city is experiencing a plague.
200
When the audience knows something that a character in the play does not.
Dramatic Irony
200
What was key to the characters' identity on stage?
A Mask
200
The old King of Thebes who was murdered
Laius
200
Why did Oedipus leave his childhood home of Corinth?
To prevent a prophecy he heard about killing his father and marrying his mother.
200
Why is Thebes experiencing a plague?
The city is harboring the murderer of the old King.
300
A release of pent-up emotion
Catharsis
300
Who was the author of Oedipus the King?
Sophocles
300
The Queen of Thebes
Jocasta
300
What does Oedipus do to himself once he discovers the truth?
He blinds himself.
300
What does Jocasta do once she learns the truth?
She commits suicide.
400
A sudden realization.
Anagnorisis
400
Who was the first known Greek actor?
Thespis
400
The blind prophet
Teiresias
400
What two characters does Oedipus accuse of conspiring against him?
Teiresias and Creon
400
What does Oedipus ask happen to him at the end of the play?
He asks to be exiled.
500
A name for the opening scene of a play
Prologue
500
Which god was the subject of early Greek dramatic performances?
Apollo
500
The citizens of Thebes who interpret the story as it goes
The Chorus
500
Oedipus, in the end of the play, becomes like Teiresias in that he is blind and he also . . . (think about what Greeks thought of blindness!)
He has knowledge of the truth, just like Teiresias.
500
What does Oedipus fear will happen to his daughters?
They will become poor and never marry.
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