Classroom
The Origin of Greek Theater
Greek Theater
Oedipus the King
Vocabulary and Characters
100

What does prompt mean? 

Prompt means "in a timely manner"; on time. 

100

Who was ancient Greek Theater dedicated to? 

It was dedicated to the god Dionysius. 

100

Where were the performances held? 

Performances were held in outdoor theaters. 
100

Who wrote the play Oedipus the King

Sophocles wrote Oedipus the King around 429 BCE.

100
What was the City Dionysia? 

The City Dionysia was a week long festival of theater competetions and other events held annually in Athens. 

200

What do you do if there is a Do Now on the board? 

You open your Chromebook, go to your Drive and then your English folder, open your Do Now document and answer it. 
200

Where did theater come from? 

Theater started from religion and myth. 

200

When was the Golden Age of Greek Theater? 

The Golden Age of Greek Theater was in the 5th C. BCE, approximately 2500 years ago. Scholars believe Oedipus the King was written in 429 BCE. 

200

Why did Oedipus's biological parents give him up? 

They heard the prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother. They loved him but were afraid he might fulfill the prophecy so thought it better to give him away. 

200

Who did Oedipus get into a road rage incident with and kill (we need the character's name)? 

Oedipus got into a road rage incident with Laius and killed him. 

300

Do you receive points for copying down the Do Now but not answering it? 

No, you must answer the Do Nows to receive credit for them. 

300

What are two ways in which ancient Greek theater is like a major sporting event today? 

Answers may vary, but likely included:

has people supporting their city,

honors military heroes,

is a competition,

is a social event

300

Why did the actors wear masks? 

The actors wore masks to show the spectators which character they were at a given moment. 

300

What does Oedipus name mean? 

Oedipus's name means "swollen foot". He has a slight deformity on his feet which developed after his parents sent him away. 

300

Give an example of a prophecy other than the one in the story. 

An example of a prophecy for example might be you will meet a handsome stranger on a trip. Prophecies are usually vague. 

400

What do you do when the bell rings? 

You don't have to do anything. The teachers will dismiss you when class ends. 

400

Greeks sang dithyrambs in honor of their god. How did the chorus come from this tradition? 

The chorus began to speak the dithyrambs in one voice and act out them out instead of singing them. 

400

Why were the actors' movements dramatic and exaggerated? 

The actors' movements were dramatic and exaggerated because they had to make big movements so the spectators could see them in seats farthest from the stage (what we know call the nosebleeds). 

400
What was the Sphinx doing in Thebes? 

The Sphinx was asking everyone a riddle and killing them if they didn't answer it completely. 

400

Where do the gory actions occur in ancient Greek Theater? 

Gory actions happen off-stage, with a messenger usually running in to tell the main characters what has happened. 
500

What are the names (spelling counts!) of the teachers, including your traveler? 

The names are Ms Sanning, Ms McKinnon, Ms Ruano and .... 

500

How did individual acting begin? 

The actor Thespis stepped out from the chorus and spoke as an individual and not part of the group. 

500

Why did Aristotle say that the tragic hero should be neither completely good nor completely bad? 

Aristotle stated the tragic hero needs to be relatable to the audience so the audience can feel compassion for him as well as horror and pity for what he has done. 

500

How long did Oedipus, Jocasta, and Creon rule together before the opening of the play? 

They ruled for 20 happy years. 

500

Who predicts Oedipus' terrible story? 

The Oracle at Delphi predicts Oedipus' terrible story.