Oedipus & Greek Theatre Exam Study Guide
Exam With Complete solutions
Anagnorisis
- Recognition
- When the protagonist recognizes the truth of the situation, or comes to some realization about
himself
Peripeteia
- The reversal
- When the opposite takes place of what was planned or hoped by the protagonist
Hubris
- Pride/arrogance
- Often Tragic flaw among greeks
Tragic Hero
- Of high rank (Aristocratic and powerful)
- Is human - not overly virtuous or evil
- Accessible to the audience
- Has a tragic flaw
- Brings about his own downfall
Hamartia
Failure of his nature (Tragic flaw)
Proscenium
- Part of a theater stage in front of the curtain (Skene)
- Raised stage
- Where the action takes place
Tragedy
- Protagonist is involved in a morally significant struggle which results in ruin
- Aim is to bring about catharsis
- Includes 6 elements
Chorus
- 12-15 members
- Only men
- Wore costumes
- Give advice, opinions, questions
- "Ideal Spectator" reacts to the action
- Established social framework
- Sets mood, heightens dramatic effect
- Provides spectacle (song and dance)
- Encourages audience to reflect on events
Pantheism
Identifying Gods with the phenomena of nature
, Dionysus
- Son of Zeus and Semele
- Greek God of Fertility, Wine, and Revelry
- Raised by Satyrs
- Festivals to Honor Him (orgies, drinking, cannibalism)
- Theatre in his name
Catharsis
- Aim of tragedy
- Emotional and Moral purification
Nemesis
Fate that cannot be escaped
Unities
- Time, place, and plot/action
- Normally just a day
- Must be complete beginning, middle, and end
- Single setting
- All elements relate to central theme
- Tragic hero faces things beyond his control
Orchestra
- Where Chorus stood
- singing and dancing
- Not any musicians really
- Normally circular
Skene
- Backdrop
- Tent or building
- Behind stage
Polybus
- King of Corinth
- Oedipus thinks this is his father
- Dies
Creon
- Jocasta's brother
- King of Thebes in "Antigone"
- Uncle to Antigone and Ismene
Jocasta
- Laius' wife
- Oedipus' wife and mother
- Queen of Thebes
Exam With Complete solutions
Anagnorisis
- Recognition
- When the protagonist recognizes the truth of the situation, or comes to some realization about
himself
Peripeteia
- The reversal
- When the opposite takes place of what was planned or hoped by the protagonist
Hubris
- Pride/arrogance
- Often Tragic flaw among greeks
Tragic Hero
- Of high rank (Aristocratic and powerful)
- Is human - not overly virtuous or evil
- Accessible to the audience
- Has a tragic flaw
- Brings about his own downfall
Hamartia
Failure of his nature (Tragic flaw)
Proscenium
- Part of a theater stage in front of the curtain (Skene)
- Raised stage
- Where the action takes place
Tragedy
- Protagonist is involved in a morally significant struggle which results in ruin
- Aim is to bring about catharsis
- Includes 6 elements
Chorus
- 12-15 members
- Only men
- Wore costumes
- Give advice, opinions, questions
- "Ideal Spectator" reacts to the action
- Established social framework
- Sets mood, heightens dramatic effect
- Provides spectacle (song and dance)
- Encourages audience to reflect on events
Pantheism
Identifying Gods with the phenomena of nature
, Dionysus
- Son of Zeus and Semele
- Greek God of Fertility, Wine, and Revelry
- Raised by Satyrs
- Festivals to Honor Him (orgies, drinking, cannibalism)
- Theatre in his name
Catharsis
- Aim of tragedy
- Emotional and Moral purification
Nemesis
Fate that cannot be escaped
Unities
- Time, place, and plot/action
- Normally just a day
- Must be complete beginning, middle, and end
- Single setting
- All elements relate to central theme
- Tragic hero faces things beyond his control
Orchestra
- Where Chorus stood
- singing and dancing
- Not any musicians really
- Normally circular
Skene
- Backdrop
- Tent or building
- Behind stage
Polybus
- King of Corinth
- Oedipus thinks this is his father
- Dies
Creon
- Jocasta's brother
- King of Thebes in "Antigone"
- Uncle to Antigone and Ismene
Jocasta
- Laius' wife
- Oedipus' wife and mother
- Queen of Thebes
