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ANTIGONEANTIGONEby by

SophoclesSophoclesThe best lecture ever!The best lecture ever!

85 slides of85 slides of non-stop fun!non-stop fun!

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Vocabulary WordsVocabulary Words

Write the following words on Write the following words on separate paper. Make sure you separate paper. Make sure you spell them correctly.spell them correctly.

Define and learn the meanings of Define and learn the meanings of the words.the words.

Some of the words will be defined Some of the words will be defined during the lecture and during during the lecture and during discussion, so pay attention.discussion, so pay attention.

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What is the difference between What is the difference between religionreligion and and mythologymythology??

Why study the mythology of Ancient Why study the mythology of Ancient Greece? Consider the cultural and Greece? Consider the cultural and historical values of the mythology. historical values of the mythology.

deitydeity polytheismpolytheism monotheismmonotheism

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• Zeus• Ares• Athena• Dionysus

• circa• oracle• prophet / prophecy• plague• famine• Hubris / pride• heir

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• regent (163)

• Ignominious (163)

• edict (163)

• Argive (165) (someone from Argos; in the play, specifically a

soldier from Argos who attacked the city of Thebes)

• interdict (166)

• desecrate (166)

• sepulcher (166)

• degeneracy (166)

• sovereign (167) (reign)

• martyr (168)

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• revel (170)

• sabotage (171)

• exile (171)

• mourn (171)

• sentry (172)

• pious (173)

• obsequies (173)

• misgivings (174)

• libations (179)

• flagrant (179)

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• nullify (179) (null)

• submission (180) (submit)

• complicity

• deity (184)

• deference (186)

• sanctity (186)

• anarchy (187)

• judicious (188)

• insolent (189)

• homage (191)

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• dirge (194)

• sacrilege (195)

• retribution (195)

• portent (198)

• repent (199)

• desecrate (199)

• vanity (204)

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The Tragedy of the Royal The Tragedy of the Royal House of ThebesHouse of Thebes

Outline NotesOutline Notes

Sophocles: Greek PlaywrightSophocles: Greek Playwright Circa 495 – 406 BCECirca 495 – 406 BCE

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The Three Plays of the The Three Plays of the Oedipus CycleOedipus Cycle

Oedipus the KingOedipus the KingOedipus at ColonusOedipus at Colonus

Antigone Antigone Written circa 411 BCWritten circa 411 BC

AntigoneAntigone is the third play in the trilogy, but Sophocles is the third play in the trilogy, but Sophocles wrote it wrote it

before he wrote the other two plays. before he wrote the other two plays.

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Important CitiesImportant Cities

Pay attention to the next two maps.Pay attention to the next two maps.Look for the following cities:Look for the following cities:

ThebesThebes

DelphiDelphi

CorinthCorinth

ArgosArgos

Region of BoeotiaRegion of Boeotia

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The Origin of The Origin of The Royal House of ThebesThe Royal House of Thebes

• The Oracle of Apollo at Delphi• Apollo was the god of Truth, Prophecy and Light• The Oracle was the Priestess Pythia.• She could communicate with Apollo and provide

humans with a prediction of their fates.• Although her prophecies were destined to come

true, her messages often consisted of incomplete information, and what she said was confusing for humans to completely understand.

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Apollo Apollo and and

The Temple at DelphiThe Temple at Delphi

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Temple of Apollo at DidymaTemple of Apollo at Didyma

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Treasury of the Athenians at DelphiTreasury of the Athenians at Delphi

An Example of Greek Architecture

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CadmusCadmusThe First King of ThebesThe First King of Thebes

Cadmus and his sister Europa were Cadmus and his sister Europa were the children of Agenor I, the king of the children of Agenor I, the king of Phoenicia.Phoenicia.

Cadmus and Europa were Cadmus and Europa were descendants of the god Zeus (his descendants of the god Zeus (his great-great grandchildren).great-great grandchildren).

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Zeus Zeus and Zeus Fighting a Titanand Zeus Fighting a Titan

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Background: Background: The Founding of ThebesThe Founding of Thebes

Princess Europa disappeared from the Princess Europa disappeared from the coasts of Phoenicia on the back of a bull coasts of Phoenicia on the back of a bull (Zeus in disguise had kidnapped her).(Zeus in disguise had kidnapped her).

Agenor I, sent Cadmus in search of Europa, Agenor I, sent Cadmus in search of Europa, telling him not to return until he had found telling him not to return until he had found his sister. his sister.

However, nothing was ever found of her, However, nothing was ever found of her, except for the name of the land called except for the name of the land called Europa. Europa. (She had been left by Zeus (the bull) upon the shore by (She had been left by Zeus (the bull) upon the shore by Mount Dicte in Crete.) Mount Dicte in Crete.)

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The Abduction of EuropaThe Abduction of Europa

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What Cadmus Did:What Cadmus Did:• Cadmus searched for Europa but could not find

her.• Cadmus in his wanderings came to Delphi.

There the oracle told him to buy an ox which had a moon-shaped mark on its side, and to drive it before him. Where it lay down, it was fated that Cadmus would found a city and rule as its king.

• He settled in Boeotia (named for the ox), and founded in this new land the city of Cadmea, later called Thebes.

• These events took place approximately 200 years before the Trojan War.

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Ares’ SerpentAres’ Serpent When the place for the new city was determined, When the place for the new city was determined,

Cadmus decided to sacrifice the ox to the Cadmus decided to sacrifice the ox to the goddess Athena. goddess Athena.

He sent some of his men to draw water from a He sent some of his men to draw water from a spring (later called Dirce) belonging to Ares (the spring (later called Dirce) belonging to Ares (the god of war). god of war).

The spring was guarded by a serpent or dragon The spring was guarded by a serpent or dragon which was the sacred offspring of Ares. which was the sacred offspring of Ares.

Ares’ dragon had a golden crest, flashed fire from Ares’ dragon had a golden crest, flashed fire from its eyes, had a triple tongue, teeth ranged in its eyes, had a triple tongue, teeth ranged in triple rows, and its body was swollen with poison. triple rows, and its body was swollen with poison.

It devoured Cadmus' men. It devoured Cadmus' men. Cadmus confronted the dragon and killed it.Cadmus confronted the dragon and killed it. Athena told him to plant the dragon’s teeth in the Athena told him to plant the dragon’s teeth in the

earth. earth.

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Cadmus and the SerpentCadmus and the Serpent

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AthenaAthenaGGoddess of wisdom, war strategies, the defense of cities, heroic oddess of wisdom, war strategies, the defense of cities, heroic

endeavor, weaving, pottery and other crafts, domestic arts, agriculture, endeavor, weaving, pottery and other crafts, domestic arts, agriculture, the olive tree, and Athens. She was depicted as crowned with a crested the olive tree, and Athens. She was depicted as crowned with a crested

helm, armed with shield and spear, and wearing the snake-trimmed helm, armed with shield and spear, and wearing the snake-trimmed Aegis cloak wrapped around her breast and arm, adorned with the head Aegis cloak wrapped around her breast and arm, adorned with the head

of the Gorgon. She was born fully grown from the head of Zeus. of the Gorgon. She was born fully grown from the head of Zeus.

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The SpartiThe Sparti From the sown teeth sprang forth armed men From the sown teeth sprang forth armed men

(Sparti) who began fighting and killing each other.(Sparti) who began fighting and killing each other. Five of them survived the massacre. Five of them survived the massacre. The five Sparti had supernatural powers with The five Sparti had supernatural powers with

which they helped Cadmus build the new city.which they helped Cadmus build the new city. The Sparti were the progenitors of the following The Sparti were the progenitors of the following

generations of citizens of Thebes. generations of citizens of Thebes. Cadmus married Harmonia. Together they ruled Cadmus married Harmonia. Together they ruled

Thebes as its first King and QueenThebes as its first King and QueenThe Fate of Cadmus and HarmoniaThe Fate of Cadmus and Harmonia

Cadmus and Harmonia were turned into serpents Cadmus and Harmonia were turned into serpents because he had killed the dragon of Ares.because he had killed the dragon of Ares.

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Cadmus and Harmonia are turned Cadmus and Harmonia are turned into Snakesinto Snakes

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Time to skip a few generations to Time to skip a few generations to focus on the important part of the focus on the important part of the

story.story. Cadmus founded the city of ThebesCadmus founded the city of Thebes The throne of a city was passed on The throne of a city was passed on

the eldest male heir.the eldest male heir. Women could not be rulers in Greek Women could not be rulers in Greek

society.society. Cadmus’ son was Cadmus’ son was PolydorusPolydorus.. Polydorus’ son was Polydorus’ son was LabdacusLabdacus.. Labdacus’ son was Labdacus’ son was LaiusLaius..

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House of Thebes Family TreeHouse of Thebes Family Tree (edited) (edited)

Yes, write this in your notesYes, write this in your notes..

Zeus = IoZeus = Io

EpaphusEpaphus

Poseidon = LybiaPoseidon = Lybia

AgenorAgenor

Cadmus = Harmonia Europa (= Zeus)Cadmus = Harmonia Europa (= Zeus)

Polydorus (son of Cadmus)Polydorus (son of Cadmus)

Labdacus (son of Polydorus)Labdacus (son of Polydorus)

Laius (son of Labdacus)Laius (son of Labdacus)

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House of Thebes Family TreeHouse of Thebes Family Tree(continued)(continued)

LabdacusLabdacus Menoeceus I Menoeceus I (Great-Grandchild (Great-Grandchild

of Cadmus)of Cadmus)

Laius = Jocasta Creon = EurydiceLaius = Jocasta Creon = Eurydice

Oedipus Haemon Oedipus Haemon Menoeceus IIMenoeceus II

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King Laius:King Laius:A Curse on the House of A Curse on the House of

ThebesThebes Prior to becoming the King of Thebes, Laius lived in Prior to becoming the King of Thebes, Laius lived in

exile in Peloponnesus, hosted by King Pelops I.exile in Peloponnesus, hosted by King Pelops I. Laius fell in love with Pelops' illegitimate son Laius fell in love with Pelops' illegitimate son

Chryssipus II.Chryssipus II. Laius abducted Chryssipus and was eventually Laius abducted Chryssipus and was eventually

arrested by Chryssipus’ half brothers. arrested by Chryssipus’ half brothers. However, Pelops did not wish to punish a man on However, Pelops did not wish to punish a man on

account of his love. account of his love. The gods took exception to the abduction (not to Laius’ The gods took exception to the abduction (not to Laius’

love for Chryssipus) and set a curse on Laius that love for Chryssipus) and set a curse on Laius that would last for three generations.would last for three generations.

Chryssipus was eventually murdered by the queen, Chryssipus was eventually murdered by the queen, who wanted her own sons to inherit the throne. who wanted her own sons to inherit the throne.

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Laius’ Abduction of Laius’ Abduction of ChryssipusChryssipus

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Laius’ Return to ThebesLaius’ Return to Thebes Laius returned to Thebes as its rightful king with Laius returned to Thebes as its rightful king with

Jocasta (a distant cousin), daughter of Menoeceus I Jocasta (a distant cousin), daughter of Menoeceus I as his queen.as his queen.

Laius wanted to know if he would have an heir to the Laius wanted to know if he would have an heir to the throne.throne.

The Oracle of Apollo at Delphi warned him not to have The Oracle of Apollo at Delphi warned him not to have a son because that son was fated to kill his own father. a son because that son was fated to kill his own father.

But Laius disregarded the oracle (further grounds for But Laius disregarded the oracle (further grounds for him to be punished by the gods) and eventually he him to be punished by the gods) and eventually he and Jocasta conceived a son.and Jocasta conceived a son.

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Laius Attempts to Change his FateLaius Attempts to Change his Fate

In his fear that the Oracle’s prophecy would In his fear that the Oracle’s prophecy would come true, Laius plotted to kill his son.come true, Laius plotted to kill his son.Laius ordered a shepherd to take the baby and Laius ordered a shepherd to take the baby and bind (or bolt) the baby’s feet so he could not bind (or bolt) the baby’s feet so he could not walk, and then take the child to the mountains walk, and then take the child to the mountains and abandon it.and abandon it.In this plot, Laius thought that he could not be In this plot, Laius thought that he could not be accused of killing the child because he did not accused of killing the child because he did not directly do it himself.directly do it himself.The shepherd did as he was told, The shepherd did as he was told,

except . . .except . . .

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Oedipus is RescuedOedipus is Rescued Instead of abandoning the baby, Laius’ Instead of abandoning the baby, Laius’

shepherd gave it to another shepherd, who shepherd gave it to another shepherd, who in turn took the child to the city of Corinth.in turn took the child to the city of Corinth.

There, King Polybus adopted the child as There, King Polybus adopted the child as his own son.his own son.

The child was named Oedipus.The child was named Oedipus. Oedipus means “swollen foot.” His feet Oedipus means “swollen foot.” His feet

had swollen because they had been so had swollen because they had been so tightly bound together. (Another version tightly bound together. (Another version of the story indicates that his ankles had of the story indicates that his ankles had been riveted together with a bolt.)been riveted together with a bolt.)

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Oedipus Becomes an AdultOedipus Becomes an Adult

He encountered a drunkard on the street He encountered a drunkard on the street who told him that Oedipus was not the who told him that Oedipus was not the true son of the king, and that he could not true son of the king, and that he could not inherit the throne of Corinth.inherit the throne of Corinth.

Oedipus went to the Oracle of Apollo at Oedipus went to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi and learned bad news and worse Delphi and learned bad news and worse news:news:

1. You are going to kill your father.1. You are going to kill your father.

2. You are going to marry your 2. You are going to marry your mother.mother.

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Banished from CorinthBanished from Corinth Continuing to believe that Polybus was his Continuing to believe that Polybus was his

real father, Oedipus attempted to change real father, Oedipus attempted to change his fate by vowing to banish himself from his fate by vowing to banish himself from Corinth, never to return, so that he could Corinth, never to return, so that he could not harm his father or mother.not harm his father or mother.

He was man without a homeland. He He was man without a homeland. He wandered Greece as he tried to determine wandered Greece as he tried to determine what he should do.what he should do.

But as fate would have it . . . But as fate would have it . . .

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Battle at the CrossroadBattle at the Crossroad He came to a crossroad where he He came to a crossroad where he

encountered an old man in a chariot and encountered an old man in a chariot and his five guards.his five guards.

A conflict ensued between Oedipus and A conflict ensued between Oedipus and the old man regarding who had the right to the old man regarding who had the right to pass. pass.

Neither would relinquish, swords were Neither would relinquish, swords were drawn, and a battle ensued.drawn, and a battle ensued.

Oedipus killed the old man and four of his Oedipus killed the old man and four of his guards.guards.

The fifth guard escaped and fled.The fifth guard escaped and fled.

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Meanwhile, Back in ThebesMeanwhile, Back in Thebes The guard returned to the Palace of The guard returned to the Palace of

Thebes to reveal the news that King Laius Thebes to reveal the news that King Laius had been murdered by a band of robbers.had been murdered by a band of robbers.

As Laius had no heir to the throne because As Laius had no heir to the throne because he had disposed of his only son, Creon, the he had disposed of his only son, Creon, the brother of Jocasta, the Queen, became the brother of Jocasta, the Queen, became the acting regent. (Women were not allowed acting regent. (Women were not allowed to be in positions of power.)to be in positions of power.)

The first part of Oedipus’ fate had been The first part of Oedipus’ fate had been fulfilled. He has unknowingly killed his fulfilled. He has unknowingly killed his father. father.

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The Sphinx Asks a RiddleThe Sphinx Asks a Riddle As if the death of the king were not bad As if the death of the king were not bad

enough, Thebes had another problem to enough, Thebes had another problem to deal with. A Sphinx had begun to terrorize deal with. A Sphinx had begun to terrorize the city.the city.

The Sphinx is creature that has the body of The Sphinx is creature that has the body of a lion, the upper torso of a woman, and it a lion, the upper torso of a woman, and it has wings.has wings.

The Sphinx asked all passersby a riddle. If The Sphinx asked all passersby a riddle. If the person could not answer the riddle, the person could not answer the riddle, the Sphinx strangled the victim, and then the Sphinx strangled the victim, and then ate the body.ate the body.

Sphinx means “the strangler.”Sphinx means “the strangler.”

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Oedipus and the SphinxOedipus and the Sphinx

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Creon’s ProclamationCreon’s Proclamation Creon had to save the city, so he Creon had to save the city, so he

proclaimed that anyone who could save proclaimed that anyone who could save Thebes from the Sphinx would be Thebes from the Sphinx would be rewarded:rewarded:

1. The hero would become the king 1. The hero would become the king of of Thebes. Thebes.

2. He would marry Queen Jocasta.2. He would marry Queen Jocasta. Along came Oedipus, who had heard of the Along came Oedipus, who had heard of the

offer. Being a man without a country, he offer. Being a man without a country, he had nothing to lose, so he accepted the had nothing to lose, so he accepted the challenge and approached the Sphinx.challenge and approached the Sphinx.

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The Riddle and the PrizeThe Riddle and the Prize What goes on four feet in the morning, on What goes on four feet in the morning, on

two at noon, and on three in the evening?two at noon, and on three in the evening? Oedipus answered the question:Oedipus answered the question: The answer is The answer is manman: At birth, he crawls, as : At birth, he crawls, as

an adult he walks upright on two feet, and an adult he walks upright on two feet, and as an old man he walks with a cane.as an old man he walks with a cane.

The Sphinx threw itself from a cliff and The Sphinx threw itself from a cliff and died.died.

Oedipus became the King of Thebes.Oedipus became the King of Thebes. Oedipus married his mother, Jocasta, and Oedipus married his mother, Jocasta, and

unknowingly fulfilled the second part of his unknowingly fulfilled the second part of his fate.fate.

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Happy FamilyHappy Family Oedipus and Jocasta successfully Oedipus and Jocasta successfully

ruled Thebes for many years.ruled Thebes for many years. They had four childrenThey had four children

Twin sons, Twin sons,

Eteocles and PolyneicesEteocles and Polyneices

and and

Two daughters, Two daughters,

Antigone and IsmeneAntigone and Ismene

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House of Thebes Family TreeHouse of Thebes Family Tree(completed)(completed)

Laius = Jocasta Laius = Jocasta Creon = EurydiceCreon = Eurydice

Oedipus = Jocasta Oedipus = Jocasta Haemon Haemon Menoeceus IIMenoeceus II

Eteocles Polyneices Ismene Antigone*Eteocles Polyneices Ismene Antigone*

* Haemon and Antigone * Haemon and Antigone

are engaged to be are engaged to be married married..

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More Bad NewsMore Bad NewsThebes began to suffer from a Plague and a Thebes began to suffer from a Plague and a FamineFamine

Oedipus had to save the city, so he sent Creon Oedipus had to save the city, so he sent Creon to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi to find out what to the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi to find out what had to be done.had to be done.

The Oracle told Creon that Thebes could only be The Oracle told Creon that Thebes could only be saved saved by revealing the killer of King Laiusby revealing the killer of King Laius..

Oedipus began his investigation and little by Oedipus began his investigation and little by little, the facts came out, but Oedipus’ pride little, the facts came out, but Oedipus’ pride would not allow him to accept the testimony of would not allow him to accept the testimony of his witnesses.his witnesses.

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The Truth and its ConsequencesThe Truth and its ConsequencesUltimately, the two shepherds who Ultimately, the two shepherds who

had been involved in Laius’ plot to kill had been involved in Laius’ plot to kill his son came forth and revealed their his son came forth and revealed their roles, and the truth that Oedipus was, roles, and the truth that Oedipus was, in fact, the son of Laius, and that in fact, the son of Laius, and that Jocasta was his mother.Jocasta was his mother.

Jocasta, in her shame, hanged herself.Jocasta, in her shame, hanged herself.Oedipus, in his shame, took the two Oedipus, in his shame, took the two

brooches from Jocasta’s gown and brooches from Jocasta’s gown and plunged the pins into his eyes, thus plunged the pins into his eyes, thus blinding himself from the vision of blinding himself from the vision of what he had done.what he had done.

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OedipusOedipus

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The Final CurseThe Final CurseOedipus promised to banish himself from Thebes, Oedipus promised to banish himself from Thebes, never to return.never to return.

Antigone accompanied him on his journey; Ismene Antigone accompanied him on his journey; Ismene stayed in Thebes to look after his affairs.stayed in Thebes to look after his affairs.

Polyneices and Eteocles despised their father for Polyneices and Eteocles despised their father for what he had done, even though it was not his fault. what he had done, even though it was not his fault. They cursed their father and kicked him out of the They cursed their father and kicked him out of the city.city.

As Oedipus left Thebes, he cursed his sons and As Oedipus left Thebes, he cursed his sons and told them that their inheritance would be divided by told them that their inheritance would be divided by the sword.the sword.

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A Kingdom DividedA Kingdom DividedCreon once again served as Regent of Thebes Creon once again served as Regent of Thebes until Oedipus died and Eteocles and Polyneices until Oedipus died and Eteocles and Polyneices were old enough to rule.were old enough to rule.

Because they were twins, Eteocles and Because they were twins, Eteocles and Polyneices agreed to share the throne by ruling Polyneices agreed to share the throne by ruling in alternate years.in alternate years.

Eteocles would rule for the first year, then Eteocles would rule for the first year, then Polyneices would take over for the second year.Polyneices would take over for the second year.

At the end of the first year, Eteocles refused to At the end of the first year, Eteocles refused to give up the throne to his brother, and banished give up the throne to his brother, and banished Polyneices from Thebes.Polyneices from Thebes.

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Polyneices RetaliatesPolyneices RetaliatesPolyneices went to the city of Argos and Polyneices went to the city of Argos and acquired the aid of the Argive armies.acquired the aid of the Argive armies.

Seven armies with seven chieftains Seven armies with seven chieftains returned to Thebes and attacked its gates.returned to Thebes and attacked its gates.

Because the ancestors of Thebes were Because the ancestors of Thebes were related to Zeus, he assisted in the defense related to Zeus, he assisted in the defense of Thebes by hurling thunderbolts at the of Thebes by hurling thunderbolts at the Argives. Argives.

The Argive armies were defeated and The Argive armies were defeated and Thebes was victorious.Thebes was victorious.

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During the BattleDuring the BattleCreon’s son, Menoeceus II sacrificed his Creon’s son, Menoeceus II sacrificed his life so that Thebes could win the war.life so that Thebes could win the war.

Eteocles and Polyneices met face-to-face Eteocles and Polyneices met face-to-face on the battlefield and mortally wounded on the battlefield and mortally wounded each other.each other.

Because there were no more male heirs to Because there were no more male heirs to the throne, Creon was once again in the throne, Creon was once again in charge of Thebes as regent.charge of Thebes as regent.

His wife, Eurydice, became the queen.His wife, Eurydice, became the queen.

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Creon’s EdictsCreon’s Edicts Because Eteocles was a hero who defended Because Eteocles was a hero who defended

Thebes from its attackers, he would be Thebes from its attackers, he would be buried with full funeral rites and honors.buried with full funeral rites and honors.

Because Polyneices was a traitor to Thebes, Because Polyneices was a traitor to Thebes, his body would be left on the battlefield to his body would be left on the battlefield to be eaten by dogs and vultures. Also, all of be eaten by dogs and vultures. Also, all of the bodies of the dead Argives would be left the bodies of the dead Argives would be left on the battlefield to rot.on the battlefield to rot.

Anyone who tried to bury the body of Anyone who tried to bury the body of Polyneices against Creon’s order would be Polyneices against Creon’s order would be put to death by stoning.put to death by stoning.

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The Burial of the DeadThe Burial of the Dead All people have the right to a proper burial, All people have the right to a proper burial,

as designated by the laws of the gods.as designated by the laws of the gods. The souls of the unburied are not allowed to The souls of the unburied are not allowed to

enter Hades, and are destined to walk the enter Hades, and are destined to walk the earth in torment.earth in torment.

Burial would include the application of sacred Burial would include the application of sacred oils to cleanse the body, a casting of earth oils to cleanse the body, a casting of earth upon the body, and cremation upon a pyre.upon the body, and cremation upon a pyre.

One of the worst disgraces a person could One of the worst disgraces a person could suffer would be to remain unburied.suffer would be to remain unburied.

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And so the play And so the play AntigoneAntigone beginsbegins

The CharactersThe CharactersCreon: acting King of Thebes Creon: acting King of Thebes Eurydice: his wife Eurydice: his wife Haemon: their son, and fiancé of AntigoneHaemon: their son, and fiancé of AntigoneAntigone and Ismene: the daughters of OedipusAntigone and Ismene: the daughters of OedipusThe Chorus and Leader: represent the voices of the The Chorus and Leader: represent the voices of the citizens of Thebes and serve as advisors to Creoncitizens of Thebes and serve as advisors to CreonA Sentry: charged with guarding the body of A Sentry: charged with guarding the body of PolyneicesPolyneicesA MessengerA MessengerTiresias: the blind prophet of Thebes who can predict Tiresias: the blind prophet of Thebes who can predict the future and interpret signs sent by the godsthe future and interpret signs sent by the gods

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Architecture of the Greek Architecture of the Greek AmpitheaterAmpitheater

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Spectators sat in semicircular rows of Spectators sat in semicircular rows of seats built into a hillside which seats built into a hillside which formed a natural outdoor formed a natural outdoor amphitheater. amphitheater.

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At the bottom of the theater was a At the bottom of the theater was a round space called the orchestra in round space called the orchestra in which the chorus danced and sang. which the chorus danced and sang.

Dances were done in a circular Dances were done in a circular motion. motion. StrophesStrophes move from right to move from right to left; left; antistrophesantistrophes move from left to move from left to right.right.

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As the structure of drama evolved As the structure of drama evolved and actors were introduced, sets and actors were introduced, sets were created with the construction of were created with the construction of a raised platform and a backdrop of a raised platform and a backdrop of simple scenery behind the orchestra.simple scenery behind the orchestra.

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Examples of Tragic MasksExamples of Tragic Masks

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Greek MasksGreek Masks

The actors in these later plays wore The actors in these later plays wore large masks with fixed and large masks with fixed and exaggerated expressions that could exaggerated expressions that could be easily identified by people in the be easily identified by people in the upper rows of the audience. upper rows of the audience.

Masks would identify characters: Masks would identify characters: tragic, comedic, male or female. tragic, comedic, male or female.

All actors were male. All actors were male.

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A Greek mask is a kind of mask used to A Greek mask is a kind of mask used to conceal an actor's face during a Greek theater conceal an actor's face during a Greek theater performance. This practice is extremely useful performance. This practice is extremely useful for the following reasons:for the following reasons:

There were times when a single actor had to There were times when a single actor had to play more than one character in the script. play more than one character in the script. This was easily achieved through the use of This was easily achieved through the use of masks.masks.

During those times, women were forbidden During those times, women were forbidden from participating in theater roles. Greek from participating in theater roles. Greek masks helped conceal the men's faces while masks helped conceal the men's faces while they played the female parts, suspending they played the female parts, suspending disbelief.disbelief.

There was a theory that masks helped There was a theory that masks helped accentuate the actor's voice during a stage accentuate the actor's voice during a stage performance. performance.

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The Origins of Greek The Origins of Greek DramaDrama Stories were based on myth or history, Stories were based on myth or history,

but varied interpretations of events but varied interpretations of events Dionysus (Roman name is Bacchus): the Dionysus (Roman name is Bacchus): the

god of wine and revelry, rebirth, the god of wine and revelry, rebirth, the tragic arts, protector of the theater.tragic arts, protector of the theater.

Drama in the Western world was Drama in the Western world was invented by the ancient Greeks. invented by the ancient Greeks.

Greek dramas were first performed in Greek dramas were first performed in connection with the worship of connection with the worship of Dionysus. Dionysus.

Early performances featured a chorus Early performances featured a chorus which would sing and dance in a ritual which would sing and dance in a ritual that honored Dionysus. that honored Dionysus.

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The Festival of DionysiaThe Festival of DionysiaHeld in Athens, the Festival of Dionysia Held in Athens, the Festival of Dionysia

was an annual event of considerable was an annual event of considerable religious and civic significance. Nearly religious and civic significance. Nearly all of the citizens of Athens would all of the citizens of Athens would attend the festival. attend the festival.

The celebration was held in the spring, The celebration was held in the spring, and consisted of a three-day and consisted of a three-day competition among playwrights to competition among playwrights to present new tragedies to the citizens. present new tragedies to the citizens.

Sophocles was renowned for having Sophocles was renowned for having won these competitions many times. won these competitions many times.

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Sophocles is also credited with Sophocles is also credited with introducing the concept of having introducing the concept of having three characters in a play.three characters in a play.

The actors performed the actions The actors performed the actions that were narrated in the choral that were narrated in the choral songs.songs.

Eventually, spoken dialogue was Eventually, spoken dialogue was introduced, beginning the concept of introduced, beginning the concept of staged drama as we know it today.staged drama as we know it today.

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The ChorusThe Chorus● The Chorus consisted of men (varied in size from 3 The Chorus consisted of men (varied in size from 3

- 50, but 12 – 15 seems a more common number) - 50, but 12 – 15 seems a more common number) who would sing and dance in unison during the who would sing and dance in unison during the performance of their lines.performance of their lines.

● The Chorus leader was assigned individual lines, The Chorus leader was assigned individual lines, and represented an influential advisor to the king. and represented an influential advisor to the king.

The Chorus as a whole represented the elder The Chorus as a whole represented the elder citizens of the city in which the story was taking citizens of the city in which the story was taking place.place.

The Chorus provided the perspective of the The Chorus provided the perspective of the common man, and could provide interpretations of common man, and could provide interpretations of the meaning of the action, as well as recall past the meaning of the action, as well as recall past events and foreshadow events to come. events and foreshadow events to come.

The Chorus could give advice and comment on the The Chorus could give advice and comment on the actions of the main characters, especially in actions of the main characters, especially in relation to the ethics of their decisions in the play.relation to the ethics of their decisions in the play.

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The Three UnitiesThe Three Unities

The structure of Greek Tragedy relies upon the following The structure of Greek Tragedy relies upon the following elements:elements:

TimeTimePlacePlaceActionAction

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TIMETIME The events occur in a continuous forward The events occur in a continuous forward

movement through time. movement through time. (The events move forward from the beginning to the end.)(The events move forward from the beginning to the end.)

Information about the past may be revealed Information about the past may be revealed through character dialogue or through the through character dialogue or through the chorus.chorus.

The events in The events in AntigoneAntigone take place during take place during the course of a single day, beginning in the the course of a single day, beginning in the morning and ending later in the same day.morning and ending later in the same day.

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PLACEPLACE The setting remains constant. The setting remains constant. For example, in For example, in AntigoneAntigone, the setting is in , the setting is in

the Palace of Thebes. No action is shown the Palace of Thebes. No action is shown outside of the palace.outside of the palace.

Events involving violence and death occur Events involving violence and death occur offstage.offstage.

Messengers or other characters serve as Messengers or other characters serve as witnesses to relate information of events witnesses to relate information of events that occur outside of the palace.that occur outside of the palace.

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ACTIONACTIONThe conflict remains constant.The conflict remains constant.Focus is on the resolution of the conflict.Focus is on the resolution of the conflict.Action is simple with focus on Action is simple with focus on

characterization through dialogue.characterization through dialogue.

Focus is on emotional, psychological and Focus is on emotional, psychological and ethical/moral ethical/moral attributes of charactersattributes of characters

Very little physical action takes place on the Very little physical action takes place on the stage.stage.

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What is a Greek Tragedy?What is a Greek Tragedy?• The concept of a tragedy is to reaffirm the fact that life is worth living,

regardless of the suffering or pain that is part of human existence.

• Tragedies are about people in conflict with the universe.

• Tragedies are always about spiritual or philosophical conflicts, never about everyday events.

• Tragic actions arise from a character's inner conflict.

• Do not confuse the concept of Greek Tragedy with the modern use of the word “tragic,” which is often used to describe events that we think of as being sad or unfortunate. Although characters may die in Greek Tragedies, the tragedy arises from the protagonist’s poor choices which result from his tragic flaw.

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Predetermined FatePredetermined Fate

• Each individual is born with a fate that is determined by the gods at birth.

• One’s fate cannot be changed or avoided.• Each person is given a personal allotment of

unavoidable suffering.• The suffering is not necessarily tragic, but is to

be accepted as part of life.

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Freedom of Will and ActionFreedom of Will and Action

• Each person is expected to accept his fate and fulfill it with dignity.

• Those who accept their fates should suffer no more than their allotted amount of suffering.

• The misuse of freedom to try to change one’s fate may result in additional suffering.

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Five Traits of the Five Traits of the Greek Tragic HeroGreek Tragic Hero

1. He is an uncommon man who possesses the greatness to battle his own destiny. A tragic protagonist must have magnitude; his struggles are great because he is important to society.

2. He is a basically good and noble person who causes his own downfall, and possibly that of others around him, because of Hamartia (tragic flaw).

(i.e. His intentions may be good, but his decisions are misguided.)

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3. He usually suffers from Hubris (Pride) as shown through Hamartia (a tragic flaw, character flaw, or error in judgment).

4. He suffers from a reversal of fortune or fall from high to low. He suffers a loss of dignity, as well as suffering caused by the loss of loved ones.

5. He can never escape his fate, but he will insist upon accepting fate on his own terms. He must become aware of the consequences of his actions, and then face the world alone.

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HamartiaHamartia

• A character’s tragic flaw

• A personality trait which causes a character to make poor decisions, sometimes in an effort to control his fate, or to save his dignity.

• Hamartia ultimately results in a loss of dignity, and additional pain and suffering.

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HubrisHubris• The predominant type of tragic flaw.

• An exaggerated sense of pride or self-confidence, often accompanied by stubbornness and the refusal to listen to the reason of others.

• Placing oneself in a position of superiority over other.

• Hubris results in a tragic end or punishment.

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CatharsisCatharsis The protagonist's actions should arouse feelings of bothThe protagonist's actions should arouse feelings of both

pity and fearpity and fear in the audience. in the audience.

Pity because the protagonist is better than we Pity because the protagonist is better than we are, so we place ourselves into his position are, so we place ourselves into his position (empathy)(empathy)

Fear because we too do not know our future or fate.Fear because we too do not know our future or fate.

By the end of the play, the audience should be purged of By the end of the play, the audience should be purged of pity and fear, so they go through a pity and fear, so they go through a catharsiscatharsis..

Catharsis = the elimination of feelings of pity and fearCatharsis = the elimination of feelings of pity and fear      

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THE ENDTHE ENDof the best lecture ever.of the best lecture ever.