1 The Tragedy of the Royal House of Thebes Outline Notes Sophocles: Greek Playwright Sophocles: Greek Playwright Circa 495 – 406 BC Circa 495 – 406 BC.

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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 BCCirca 495 – 406 BC

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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 and Prophecy• 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

The princess Europa disappeared from the 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 Cadmus searched for Europa but could not

find her.find her. Cadmus in his wanderings came to Delphi. Cadmus in his wanderings came to Delphi.

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

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

These events took place approximately These events took place approximately 200 years before the Trojan War.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 Menoeceus IIOedipus Haemon Menoeceus 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 and AdultOedipus Becomes and 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 ThebesCreon: acting King of ThebesEurydice: his wifeEurydice: his wifeHaemon: 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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Greek TragedyGreek Tragedy

Performed during festivals worshipping Dionysus, Performed during festivals worshipping Dionysus, thethe god of wine, fertility, rebirth god of wine, fertility, rebirth

Actors and playwrights competed Actors and playwrights competed Choral -- singing seems to have been an Choral -- singing seems to have been an

important part important part a chorus of men (varied in size form 3 to 50) -- a chorus of men (varied in size form 3 to 50) --

many think the choral song -- many think the choral song -- dithyrambdithyramb-- was -- was the beginnings of Greek drama (but origins are the beginnings of Greek drama (but origins are unclear) unclear)

Closely associated with religion - stories based on Closely associated with religion - stories based on myth or historymyth or history

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Some believe the chorus sang, moved, danced Some believe the chorus sang, moved, danced Most believe the chorus underscored the ideas of the play, Most believe the chorus underscored the ideas of the play,

provided point-of-view, and focused on issues of the play provided point-of-view, and focused on issues of the play and implications of the action, established the play's ethical and implications of the action, established the play's ethical system, and participated in the actionsystem, and participated in the action

Violence and death offstageViolence and death offstage Frequent use of messengers to relate information Frequent use of messengers to relate information Usually continuous time of actionUsually continuous time of action Usually single place Usually single place Stories based on myth or history, but varied interpretations Stories based on myth or history, but varied interpretations

of events of events Focus is on psychological and ethical attributes of Focus is on psychological and ethical attributes of

characters, rather than physical and sociological. characters, rather than physical and sociological.

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Greek MasksGreek Masks A Greek mask is a kind of mask used to conceal an actor's or A Greek mask is a kind of mask used to conceal an actor's or

actress' face during a Greek theater performance. This practice is actress' face during a Greek theater performance. This practice is extremely useful for the following reasons:extremely useful for the following reasons:

There were times when a single actor or actress had to play more There were times when a single actor or actress had to play more than one character in the script. This was easily achieved through than one character in the script. This was easily achieved through the use of masks instead of superfluous and over-the-top makeup.the use of masks instead of superfluous and over-the-top makeup.

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

There was a theory that masks helped accentuate the actor's or There was a theory that masks helped accentuate the actor's or actress' voice during a stage performance. This is yet to be proven actress' voice during a stage performance. This is yet to be proven though.though.

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Examples of Tragic MasksExamples of Tragic Masks

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The Elements of Greek TragedyThe Elements of Greek Tragedy Tragedy is meant to reaffirm the fact that life is worth living, Tragedy is meant to reaffirm the fact that life is worth living,

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

Tragedies are about people in conflict with the universe.Tragedies are about people in conflict with the universe.

Tragedies are always about spiritual or philosophical conflicts, Tragedies are always about spiritual or philosophical conflicts, never about every day events.never about every day events.

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

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

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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 are, so we Pity because the protagonist is better than we are, so we place ourselves into his position (empathy)place ourselves into his position (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 = purgation of pity and fearCatharsis = purgation of pity and fear      

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The Greek Tragic HeroThe Greek Tragic Hero Is an uncommon man who possesses the Is an uncommon man who possesses the

greatness to battle his own destiny. A tragic greatness to battle his own destiny. A tragic protagonist must have protagonist must have magnitudemagnitude; his struggles ; his struggles are great because he is important to society.are great because he is important to society.

Is a basically good and noble person who causes Is a basically good and noble person who causes his own downfall, and possibly that of others his own downfall, and possibly that of others around him, because of a around him, because of a tragictragic flawflaw..

He usually suffers from He usually suffers from hubrishubris (Pride) (Pride) as shown as shown through through hamartiahamartia (character flaw or error in (character flaw or error in judgment).judgment).

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

He can never escape his fate, but he will insist He can never escape his fate, but he will insist upon accepting fate on his own terms. He must upon accepting fate on his own terms. He must face the world alone.face the world alone.

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HubrisHubris The predominant type of tragic flaw.The predominant type of tragic flaw. An exaggerated sense of pride or An exaggerated sense of pride or

self-confidence, often accompanied self-confidence, often accompanied by stubbornness and the refusal to by stubbornness and the refusal to listen to the reason of others.listen to the reason of others.

Placing oneself in a position of Placing oneself in a position of superiority over other.superiority over other.

Hubris results in a tragic end or Hubris results in a tragic end or punishment.punishment.

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Predetermined FatePredetermined Fate

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

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

of unavoidable suffering.of unavoidable suffering. The suffering is not necessarily tragic, but The suffering is not necessarily tragic, but

is to be accepted as part of life.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 Each person is expected to accept his fate and fulfill it with dignity.his fate and fulfill it with dignity.

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

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