Ancient Greek Theatre

1. Ancient Greek Theatre Introduction to Antigone

2. Dramatic terms • The theater- Greek drama was part of religious festival. Originally for Dionysis • Actors- all roles were played by men wearing large masks, extravagant robes, and platform shoes. Sophocles used three. • Chorus- Commented on the play’s action and consisted of around 15 men. • The tragic Hero- a tragedy recounts the downfall of a dignified character, usually of noble birth. Possesses tragic flaw that theads to a catastrophe.

3. Types for reading classical drama • visualize the play • Analyze what motivates the tragic hero and what makes him a nobleman. • Examine conflict and determine causes • The chorus acts as a conscience • DETERMINE WHAT THE PLAY SHOWS IS IMPORTANT TO THE CULTURE IN WHICHIT WAS ORIGINALLY PERFORMED!

5. Themes in Antigone • The role of fate- cursed house of Thebes • The role of women- typical – Ismene vs. atypical – Antigone • The role of government- Who’s law is higher the gods or the kings? • Natural rights- Every human being is entitled to basic rights • Suicide- In ancient Greece it was a valid option

6. Ancient Greek Theatre

7. Literary Devices • Dramatic Irony • Verbal Irony • Situational Irony • Elements of tragedy • Tragic Hero • Forshadowing • Mood • Figurative language

9. Archetypes • Stay the same all throughout literature in every society. • The Hero- the life of the protagonist can be clearly divided into a series of will-marked adventures which strongly suggest a ritualistic pattern: • Mother is a virgin; unusual conception • At birth an attempt is made to kill him • Orphan • Upon reaching manhood, returns to his future kingdom • Overpowers beast or marries princess • Loses favor with the gods, is driven from the city • Meets a mysterious death • Body is not buried, usually one or more holy sepulchers

11. Sophocles 496 BC-406 BC • Came from a rich family near Athens • Excellent education • Most plays are really optimistic • He saw men ad powerful, reactional, creative beings, the masters of the world around them and proud creations of the god. • Peloponnesian War affected literature • Wrote over 100 plays in his life, but only 7 survived

14. Characteristics of Sophoclean tragedy • Based on events that already took place and with which the audience is familiar • The protagonist is a person of noble birth and stature • The protagonist has a weakness, and because of it, becomes isolated and suffers a downfall. • The audience pities him. • The fallen protagonist gains self-knowledge. • Audience experiences a series of emotions. • Drama unfolds quickly

16. Antigone takes place in Thebes

18. Antigone Background Daughter of Oedipus Married his mother- Jocasta They had four kids Polyneices Eteocles Antigone Ismene

19. Cursed by their father’s curse • Fortold that son’s would kill each other • Nothing good would come to his children • Brothers fought for Thebes and both died • Creon became king

20. Creon buries one and ditches another Eteocles buried like a hero Polynices lay outside the city, unburied! Antigone was upset about this because without a proper burial a person could not pass on.