Sophocles

Oedipus, the King

Sophocles (Dexion “The Entertainer”)

One of the three great ancient Greek tragedians5th century B.C. - “The Golden Age”AthensWrote more than 120 playsNever received less than second place in Athenian drama competition

Background Sophocles

born in Colonus, a village just outside the city of Athens496 - 406 b.c. wealthywell-educatedAthenian statesmanwrote 123 plays (more than Shakespeare)

Tragedy

Developed from the ancient dithyramb or choral lyric sung by a male chorus in honor of the god Dionysus at his annual festivalsThespis - father of drama - first used an actorSophocles - added third actor - developed into sophisticated literary form

The Greek Theater

built in the open airTheatron - area in which the audience satOrchestra - circular area at ground level - dancing place of the chorusParodos - entrance passageSkene - scene building - backdrop for action of the playProscenium - level area in front of the skene on which most of the play’s action took place

The Chorus

nucleus from which tragedy evolved“ideal spectator”clarifies the experiences and feelings of the characters and expresses the conventional attitude toward developments in the story separate episodesChorus’ role diminished as actors developed.

Structure

Prologue - opening sceneParodos - entrance of the chorusEpisode - actionStaisimon - the choral odeExodus - final action after last stasimon

Aristotle on Tragedy

Aristotle’s Poetics - study of Greek dramatic artTragedy - imitation (mimesis) - imitation of an action Change in the protagonist’s (hero) fortunesHamartia - error in judgmentCatharsis - pity and fear

Tragic Hero

Man who is highly renowned and prosperousSkilledError in judgment or weakness of character - hamartia Victim of fate - tragic circumstancesHow does the hero react to his fate? = character

Resolution

Peripetia - reversal - opposite of what was planned or hoped for by the protagonist takes placeAnagnorisis - protagonist recognizes the truth of a situation, discovers another character’s identity, or comes to a realization about himself - growth through tragedy - pity and fear - lessons - theme

Summary

A tragedy is a form of drama with several elements.