6.1 Origins and structure of Greek tragedy

Greek tragedy emerged from religious festivals honoring Dionysus, evolving into a sophisticated art form. Key figures like Thespis, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides shaped its development, introducing new elements that expanded dramatic possibilities and character depth.

The structure of Greek tragedy followed a specific format, including prologue, episodes, and choral odes. It adhered to dramatic principles like the three unities and incorporated elements such as hamartia and peripeteia, creating complex narratives that explored human nature and fate.

Evolution of Greek Tragedy

Origins in Religious Festivals

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• Greek tragedy originated from the dithyramb performed in honor of Dionysus during religious festivals
• City Dionysia in Athens became the primary venue for tragedy performances in the 5th century BCE
• Thespis introduced the concept of a character separate from the chorus marked a significant development
  • This innovation laid the foundation for dramatic dialogue and individual character portrayal

Contributions of Major Tragedians

• Aeschylus introduced the second actor allowing for more complex dialogue and character interaction
  • This addition enabled the creation of conflict and tension between characters on stage
• Sophocles added a third actor and reduced the role of the chorus enabling more sophisticated plot structures
  • The third actor allowed for more dynamic scenes and complex relationships between characters
• Euripides introduced more realistic characters and explored psychological motivations
  • His innovations included deeper character development and more nuanced portrayals of human nature

Structure of Greek Tragedy

Key Components

• Greek tragedies typically followed a specific structure consisting of prologue, parodos, episodes, stasima, and exodus
• Prologue served as an introductory monologue or dialogue providing background information
  • It set the stage for the main action and often foreshadowed key events
• Episodes were the main sections of dramatic action featuring dialogue between characters
  • These sections advanced the plot and revealed character motivations
• Stasima were choral odes performed between episodes offering commentary on the action
  • They explored themes of the play and provided emotional depth
• Exodus was the final scene concluding the tragedy
  • It often featured a resolution or reflection on the events

Dramatic Principles

• Greek tragedies typically adhered to the three unities action, time, and place
  • Unity of action focused on a single main plot
  • Unity of time confined events to a 24-hour period
  • Unity of place restricted the setting to a single location
• Tragic plays often incorporated elements such as hamartia, peripeteia, and anagnorisis
  • Hamartia referred to the protagonist's tragic flaw (pride, ambition)
  • Peripeteia involved a reversal of fortune often resulting from the hero's actions
  • Anagnorisis represented a moment of recognition or discovery by the protagonist

Role of the Chorus

Function and Composition

• Chorus in Greek tragedy served as a collective character representing the voice of the community
• Typically composed of 12 to 15 members performed songs and dances (choral odes)
  • These odes punctuated the dramatic action and provided emotional and thematic context
• Chorus often acted as a mediator between the characters and the audience
  • They offered insights, asked questions, and expressed collective emotions
• Chorus interacted with characters through the koryphaios (chorus leader)
  • The koryphaios engaged in dialogue with actors and represented the group's perspective

Evolution and Significance

• Chorus contributed to the rhythm and structure of the play through parodos and stasima
  • Parodos entrance song introduced the chorus and often set the tone for the play
  • Stasima stationary songs provided commentary and reflection between episodes
• Role of the chorus gradually diminished as Greek tragedy evolved
  • Later playwrights reduced its prominence in favor of more character-driven narratives
• Chorus played a crucial role in maintaining the play's connection to its religious origins
  • They often invoked the gods or performed ritualistic elements during the performance

Theatrical Conventions of Greek Tragedy

Performance Space and Staging

• Greek tragedies were performed in outdoor amphitheaters
  • Theater of Dionysus in Athens could seat up to 17,000 spectators
• Skene a building behind the stage served as a backdrop and changing area
  • It provided a space for actors to change costumes and masks between scenes
• Eccyclema a wheeled platform allowed for representation of indoor scenes
  • It was used to display dead bodies overcoming limitations of the outdoor setting
• Mechane a crane-like device created the effect of gods descending from the heavens
  • This device was used for deus ex machina emphasizing divine influence in tragic plots

Visual and Performative Elements

• Masks were a crucial element of Greek theater
  • They allowed actors (all male) to play multiple roles
  • Masks helped project voices in large outdoor venues
• Costumes in Greek tragedy were elaborate and symbolic
  • Specific colors and designs indicated character status, age, and emotional state
  • (Purple for royalty, black for mourning)
• Convention of having only three actors on stage at a time influenced plot structure
  • Actors played multiple roles throughout the performance
  • This limitation encouraged creative staging and character development