Greek Potpourri
What is the name of the work by Aristotle that serves as a foundational philosophical treatise on literary theory, specifically focusing on analysis of the dramatic structure?
The Poetics
Known as the first critic; Philosopher and scientist who described and catalogued the world he saw around him; Created a system of dramatic analysis from his work, “The Poetics“
Aristotle
Comedy of manners that focused on domestic situations and bourgeois life in the cities
New Comedy
The final scene
Exodos
A large platform that was wheeled out from the skene to indicate a change in the setting
Ekkyklema
Social and cultural activity of sharing stories with improvisation, theatrics, or embellishment
Storytelling
General, civic leader, ambassador, and priest; Superb plot construction with an exploration of character and a focus on the individual
Sophocles
A combination of three tragedies and one satyr play by a single playwright
Tetralogy
A scene in which two or more characters confront each other and the plot starts to develop
Episode
Semicircular space in front of the stage used by the chorus in ancient Greek theaters.
Orchestra
Stories that were told as an attempt to explain natural and human events
Myth
First person to develop drama into a form separate from singing, dancing, or storytelling and was fond of theatrical spectacle
Aeschylus
Makes fun of society, politics, or culture with recognizable public figures at the center
Old Comedy
Prologos
Where the spectators sit; usually part of a hillside overlooking the orchestra
Theatron
The god of wine, fertility, and revelry
Dionysis
The first writer of tragedy and first actor
Thespis
A brief comedic parody of social events, politics, or mans’ banter in general
Satyr Play
The entrance of the chorus is called what?
Parados
The paths by which the chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits
Parados
Name 2 of the 6 elements of drama
Plot, Characters, Theme, Language, Music, and Spectacle
Considered the most “modern”; Sympathetic portrayal of women, greater realism, mixture of melodrama with comedy, and skeptical treatment of the gods and heroes
Euripides
A group of actors that sang, danced, and recited vital information that is narrative to the plot
Chorus
A narrative monologue by the chorus
Ode
A structure at the back of the stage in ancient Greek theater. It faced the audience and provided a background for performances.
Skene