Oedipus Oedipus RexRex

Unit BackgroundUnit Background

Greek DramaGreek Drama

In GeneralIn General

Conventions of Greek Conventions of Greek DramaDrama

Religion/CompetitionReligion/Competition

Outdoor Theater Outdoor Theater (Amphitheater)(Amphitheater)

Chorus/Stylized MasksChorus/Stylized Masks

Conventions – Conventions – Religion/CompetitionReligion/Competition

Based on Based on mythology/historymythology/history

Performed in festivals Performed in festivals to honor Dionysusto honor Dionysus

votes cast and prizes awarded (first, second, third, votes cast and prizes awarded (first, second, third, etc.)etc.)

Sophocles wrote 123 plays during his lifetime; 24 Sophocles wrote 123 plays during his lifetime; 24 won first prize and the rest won second.won first prize and the rest won second.

Conventions - AmphitheaterConventions - Amphitheater

Theater Theater of of

Dionysus Dionysus

in Athensin Athens

Parts of a Greek TheaterParts of a Greek Theater Orchestra – normally Orchestra – normally

circular; chorus used circular; chorus used this space to sing, this space to sing, dance, interact with dance, interact with actors on the stageactors on the stage

Theatron – spectator Theatron – spectator section; usually part section; usually part of hillside sloping of hillside sloping down toward down toward orchestra; often orchestra; often wrapped around large wrapped around large portion of orchestra; portion of orchestra; held 14,000 to 15,000 held 14,000 to 15,000 spectatorsspectators

AboveAbove Section of Theatron, Section of Theatron,

including restored including restored entrance to stage left entrance to stage left paradosparados

In EpidavrosIn Epidavros

Parts of a Greek TheaterParts of a Greek Theater

Skene – Skene – building behind the building behind the stage; usually decorated as stage; usually decorated as setting (temple, palace); had setting (temple, palace); had at least one set of doors; at least one set of doors; access to roofaccess to roof

Proskenion – Proskenion – wide shallow wide shallow stage in front of the skenestage in front of the skene

Parodos – Parodos – paths by which paths by which chorus and some actors chorus and some actors (messengers, travelers) enter (messengers, travelers) enter and exit the stage; used by and exit the stage; used by audience to enter/exit theateraudience to enter/exit theater

Conventions - AmphitheaterConventions - Amphitheater

South Slope South Slope of the of the

Theater of Theater of Dionysus Dionysus

AthensAthens

Conventions - ChorusConventions - Chorus Group varying from Group varying from

three to 50; believed to three to 50; believed to be 15 by the time of be 15 by the time of SophoclesSophocles

Main commentators on Main commentators on character and eventscharacter and events

Sung and danced in Sung and danced in unisonunison

Sometimes exchanged Sometimes exchanged dialogue with main dialogue with main characterscharacters

Rarely spoke individuallyRarely spoke individually

Conventions - ChorusConventions - Chorus

Functions of the ChorusFunctions of the Chorus– An agent to give advice, ask questions, take An agent to give advice, ask questions, take

part in the actionpart in the action– Establish ethical framework, and set up the Establish ethical framework, and set up the

standard by which the action will be judgedstandard by which the action will be judged– Ideal spectator – reacts as playwright hopes Ideal spectator – reacts as playwright hopes

the audience wouldthe audience would– Sets mood and heightens dramatic effectsSets mood and heightens dramatic effects– Adds movement, spectacle, song, and danceAdds movement, spectacle, song, and dance– Rhythmical function – pauses/paces the action Rhythmical function – pauses/paces the action

so that the audience can reflectso that the audience can reflect

Conventions - MasksConventions - Masks

probably designed probably designed to enhance to enhance projectionprojection

allowed few actors allowed few actors to play multiple to play multiple rolesroles– only three actors for only three actors for

each play each play (debatable)(debatable)– all performers were all performers were

menmen

Greek TragedyGreek Tragedy

In ParticularIn Particular

Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics

Brief book by Greek Brief book by Greek philosopher and philosopher and scientist, Aristotle scientist, Aristotle (384-322)(384-322)

Includes first and most Includes first and most influential analysis of influential analysis of dramadrama

Defines tragedy as an Defines tragedy as an “imitation of life”“imitation of life”

Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics Catharsis – an emotional purification or relief Catharsis – an emotional purification or relief

brought about by viewing the tragedybrought about by viewing the tragedy

Hubris – reckless pride, sometimes brought Hubris – reckless pride, sometimes brought about by a belief the protagonist has that about by a belief the protagonist has that s/he is above the fates or in control of destinys/he is above the fates or in control of destiny

Hamartia – a character fault or mistake (like Hamartia – a character fault or mistake (like an Achilles heel rather than a flaw for which an Achilles heel rather than a flaw for which s/he can be held directly responsible)s/he can be held directly responsible)

Anagnorisis – process of recognition, in which Anagnorisis – process of recognition, in which the protagonist sees his/her own nature and the protagonist sees his/her own nature and destiny more clearly than beforedestiny more clearly than before

Aristotle’s Aristotle’s PoeticsPoetics

ElementElementss

ofofDramaDrama

Six elements of tragedySix elements of tragedy

In Aristotle’s order of In Aristotle’s order of importanceimportance– Subject MatterSubject Matter

PlotPlot CharacterCharacter ThoughtThought

– Language and PerformanceLanguage and Performance DictionDiction SongSong SpectacleSpectacle

PoeticsPoetics Elements – Subject Elements – Subject MatterMatter

Plot – “the sole of tragedy”Plot – “the sole of tragedy”– arrangement of the incidents to include a beginning, a arrangement of the incidents to include a beginning, a

middle, and an endmiddle, and an end Character – hero is “above the common level”Character – hero is “above the common level”

– should stress morality, be appropriate, be true to life, should stress morality, be appropriate, be true to life, and be consistentand be consistent

Thought – is found “where something is proved Thought – is found “where something is proved to be or not to be, or a general maxim is to be or not to be, or a general maxim is enunciated”enunciated”– main idea or concept that characters make concrete in main idea or concept that characters make concrete in

action of the dramaaction of the drama– Example: “Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain Example: “Count no man happy till he dies, free of pain

at last.” (stated by chorus at the end of Oedipus Rex)at last.” (stated by chorus at the end of Oedipus Rex)

PoeticsPoetics Elements – Language Elements – Language and Performanceand Performance

Diction – “the expression of meaning in Diction – “the expression of meaning in words”words”– Clear without being commonplaceClear without being commonplace

Song – simply, musicSong – simply, music Spectacle – technical stagecraftSpectacle – technical stagecraft

– ““The spectacle has, indeed, an emotional The spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but of all the parts, it is the attraction of its own, but of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry… The production of spectacular effects poetry… The production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet.”than on that of the poet.”

Greek Tragedy - StructureGreek Tragedy - Structure ProloguePrologue: spoken by one or two characters before : spoken by one or two characters before

the chorus appears; usually gives background the chorus appears; usually gives background necessary for understanding the events of the playnecessary for understanding the events of the play

ParodosParodos: the song sung by chorus as it first enters : the song sung by chorus as it first enters

EpisodeEpisode: a scene: a scene

Stasimon/OdeStasimon/Ode: chorus dances and sings after other : chorus dances and sings after other characters have exited; usually reflects on play’s characters have exited; usually reflects on play’s action and puts it into some kind of larger action and puts it into some kind of larger mythological frameworkmythological framework

ExodosExodos: chorus exits singing a processional song : chorus exits singing a processional song which typically offers words of wisdom related to which typically offers words of wisdom related to actions and outcome of the playactions and outcome of the play

SophoclesSophocles

In GeneralIn General

SophoclesSophocles 496 496 B.C.B.C.(in Athens) to 406 (in Athens) to 406

B.C.B.C.

Founded Thiasos of Muses Founded Thiasos of Muses (society for advancement (society for advancement of music and literature)of music and literature)

Very active in politics of Very active in politics of the new democracythe new democracy

Two sons: Iophon (with Two sons: Iophon (with wife, Nicostrate), and wife, Nicostrate), and illegitimate Ariston (with illegitimate Ariston (with Theoris)Theoris)

““Theban Trilogy” – Theban Trilogy” – Oedipus RexOedipus Rex, , Oedipus at Oedipus at ColonusColonus, , AntigoneAntigone (written first)(written first)

Sophocles – Characteristics of Sophocles – Characteristics of PlaysPlays

– emphasis on individual characters emphasis on individual characters – reduced role of chorus reduced role of chorus – complex characters, psychologically well-motivated complex characters, psychologically well-motivated – characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering characters subjected to crisis leading to suffering

and self-recognition - including a higher law above and self-recognition - including a higher law above man man

– exposition carefully motivated exposition carefully motivated – scenes suspensefully climactic scenes suspensefully climactic – action clear and logical action clear and logical – poetry clear and beautiful poetry clear and beautiful – few elaborate visual effects few elaborate visual effects – theme emphasized: the choices of people theme emphasized: the choices of people

Sophocles – “Sophoclean Sophocles – “Sophoclean Heroes”Heroes”

Stubborn and self-willedStubborn and self-willed Reject adviceReject advice Cut off from family or societyCut off from family or society Pursue own purposes and form own Pursue own purposes and form own

identitiesidentities

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex

In ParticularIn Particular

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex - Overview - Overview

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Dramatic – Dramatic StructureStructure

Setting: Setting: palace at Thebes over the course of a daypalace at Thebes over the course of a day

ProloguePrologue– Details problem and steps Oedipus has taken to correct itDetails problem and steps Oedipus has taken to correct it

ParodosParodos– Chorus’ lament, and prayer to various GodsChorus’ lament, and prayer to various Gods

First Episode/SceneFirst Episode/Scene– Oedipus and Tiresias’ argument over prophecyOedipus and Tiresias’ argument over prophecy

First Stasimon/OdeFirst Stasimon/Ode– Chorus sides with OedipusChorus sides with Oedipus

Second Episode/SceneSecond Episode/Scene– Oedipus and Creon conflictOedipus and Creon conflict– Jocasta tells her storyJocasta tells her story

Second Stasimon/OdeSecond Stasimon/Ode– Choral response critical of OedipusChoral response critical of Oedipus

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Dramatic – Dramatic StructureStructure

Third Episode/SceneThird Episode/Scene– Jocasta appeals to godsJocasta appeals to gods– Corinthian messenger arrives with news Corinthian messenger arrives with news

Third Stasimon/OdeThird Stasimon/Ode– Chorus appeals to DionysusChorus appeals to Dionysus

Fourth Episode/SceneFourth Episode/Scene– Shepherd is broughtShepherd is brought– Oedipus realizes his identityOedipus realizes his identity

Fourth Stasimon/OdeFourth Stasimon/Ode– Chorus expresses pity for Oedipus Chorus expresses pity for Oedipus

ExodosExodos– Messenger reports fates of Jocasta and OedipusMessenger reports fates of Jocasta and Oedipus– Creon banishes OedipusCreon banishes Oedipus– Choral Leader censures peopleChoral Leader censures people

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Thematic – Thematic TopicsTopics

Knowledge and Knowledge and IgnoranceIgnorance

Public vs. Public vs. Private LifePrivate Life

Choices and Choices and ConsequencesConsequences

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Historical – Historical ContextContext

Civil and Moral UnrestCivil and Moral Unrest– City-states competing for trade, City-states competing for trade,

commerce, artistic superioritycommerce, artistic superiority– 429 B.C. - great plague kills 2/3 429 B.C. - great plague kills 2/3

population of Athenspopulation of Athens Democracy and GovernmentDemocracy and Government

– Full citizenship given only to menFull citizenship given only to men– Women and slaves followed different Women and slaves followed different

code of conductcode of conduct

Oedipus RexOedipus Rex – Historical – Historical ContextContext

Playwrights and DramaPlaywrights and Drama– Established traditions of comedy and Established traditions of comedy and

tragedytragedy– The Great Dionysia festival competitionThe Great Dionysia festival competition

The SophistsThe Sophists– Group broke with traditionGroup broke with tradition– Focused more on the study of the Focused more on the study of the

actions of humankind than on standard actions of humankind than on standard legends of gods and goddesseslegends of gods and goddesses

Works CitedWorks CitedAbel, Lisa, ed. Theatre: Art in Action. Lincolnwood: National Textbook Company, 1999. 66-68, 530-532.Abel, Lisa, ed. Theatre: Art in Action. Lincolnwood: National Textbook Company, 1999. 66-68, 530-532.““Ancient Greek Theater.” 27 Nov 2007. <http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Ancient Greek Theater.” 27 Nov 2007. <http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Best, Michael. “Greek Terms Used in Tragedy.” Best, Michael. “Greek Terms Used in Tragedy.” Shakespeare's Life and TimesShakespeare's Life and Times. 2001-2005. 27 Nov. . 2001-2005. 27 Nov.

2007. <http://ise.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/intro/introcite.html>.2007. <http://ise.uvic.ca/Library/SLT/intro/introcite.html>.Englert, Walter. “Ancient Greek Theater”. 28 Nov 2007. Englert, Walter. “Ancient Greek Theater”. 28 Nov 2007.

<http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html><http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110tech/Theater.html>Johnson, William. “Oedipus The King, by Sophocles.” Fall 2006. 28 Nov. 2007. Johnson, William. “Oedipus The King, by Sophocles.” Fall 2006. 28 Nov. 2007.

<http://classics.uc.edu/~johnson/tragedy/oedipus_king.html><http://classics.uc.edu/~johnson/tragedy/oedipus_king.html>““Masks.” 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.greekhandicraft.com/mask.html>Masks.” 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.greekhandicraft.com/mask.html>““Offerings Made Before the Image of Dionysus”. Dionysus. Fall 1997. 27 Nov. 2007. Offerings Made Before the Image of Dionysus”. Dionysus. Fall 1997. 27 Nov. 2007.

<http://www.holycross.edu/departments/classics/jhamilton/mythology/dionysus/><http://www.holycross.edu/departments/classics/jhamilton/mythology/dionysus/>Reynolds, Will. “The Republican Chorus.” Online blog. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. 3 Nov. Reynolds, Will. “The Republican Chorus.” Online blog. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. 3 Nov.

2006. 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.thereisaway.us/campaigning/>2006. 27 Nov. 2007. <http://www.thereisaway.us/campaigning/>Siegel, Janice. “Dr. J’s Illustrated Greek Theater.” 27 Nov. 2007. Siegel, Janice. “Dr. J’s Illustrated Greek Theater.” 27 Nov. 2007.

<http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/lectures/theater/ancient_greek_theater.shtm><http://people.hsc.edu/drjclassics/lectures/theater/ancient_greek_theater.shtm>““Sophocles.” Ancient/Classical History. 2007. 27 Nov 2007. Sophocles.” Ancient/Classical History. 2007. 27 Nov 2007.

<http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/events/ig/5th-Century-Greece-and-Rome/Sophocles.--1B.htm><http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/events/ig/5th-Century-Greece-and-Rome/Sophocles.--1B.htm>““Sophocles.” Perseus Encyclopedia. 28 Nov 2007. <http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?Sophocles.” Perseus Encyclopedia. 28 Nov 2007. <http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?

doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0004&layout=&loc=sophocles>doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0004&layout=&loc=sophocles>Stenudd, Stefan. “Aristotle’s Writing.” 2006. <http://www.stenudd.com/myth/greek/aristotle/aristotle-Stenudd, Stefan. “Aristotle’s Writing.” 2006. <http://www.stenudd.com/myth/greek/aristotle/aristotle-

06-writing.htm>06-writing.htm>Trumbull, Eric W. “Ancient Greek Theatre.” Trumbull, Eric W. “Ancient Greek Theatre.” Introduction to TheatreIntroduction to Theatre. 1998-2007. 27 Nov. 2007. . 1998-2007. 27 Nov. 2007.

<http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/spd130et/ancientgreek.htm><http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/spd130et/ancientgreek.htm>Weimelt, J. “The Classical Greek Chorus” 28 Nov. 2007. Weimelt, J. “The Classical Greek Chorus” 28 Nov. 2007.

<http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/jwiemelt/classes/engl230/chorus.htm><http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/jwiemelt/classes/engl230/chorus.htm>

strophe

• Greek: turn, bend, twist

• forms the first part of the ode in Ancient Greek tragedy

• "strophe, antistrophe and epode were a kind of stanza framed only for the music," with the strophe chanted by a Greek chorus as it moved from right to left across the scene. (John Milton)

antistrophe

• Greek: a turning back

• the portion of an ode sung by the chorus in its returning movement from west to east, in response to the strophe, which was sung from east to west

• has the nature of a reply and balances the effect of the strophe