Greek Tragedy . . . And a Good Time Was Had by All

Please view the videos at the links provided, then answer the questions. Be prepared to hand your answers in on Wednesday--and to discuss the answers. While all three videos are informative, the first two are very formal; the last one, just as important as the other two, is much more upbeat. While there is more information to come, these videos at least provide visual background for our study.

Origins of Greek Drama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRLK7SogvE

1. What was the Festival of Dionysus and what was the competition involved?
2. Explain the importance of the Greek Chorus in plays. (This is extremely important, since this is a vital component of Oedipus.)
3. What is an amphitheater? Why is it important to the study of Greek Drama?
4. Why were the MASKS worn by the actors?
5. After watching the video, what was your impression of Greek Drama?

An introduction to Greek Tragedy:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSr6mP-zxUc&noredirect=1

1. This video opens with insight from one professor who contends that more than any other type of literature, Greek tragedy confronts ___________________ "head on," that the Greek tragedy doesn't "stare it down" but "stares at it." Explain why it doesn't "stare it down."
2. Explain the concept of UNIVERSAL THEMES addressed by Greek tragedy.
3. The video briefly mentions Artistotle's "formula" for Greek tragedy. What is Aristotle's concept of the "hero"?  (We will have more on this later, in class.)
4.  Aristotle makes reference to the  hamartia made my the protagonist/Greek tragic hero. Explain what this referred to. (Look it up online, if necessary; it is mentioned in the video--and explained, but there is obviously no spelling of it on the video.)
5.  Summarize what is said about the catharsis that comes at the end of a Greek tragedy. How can that be likened to the movie that brings people to tears?
6. TWO very important observations made in the video to keep in mind for our study of Oedipus:

• man is held in the grip of the ___________
• the sun presents light, literally, and suggests ___________ - in Oedipus, much of the imagery and irony revolves around LIGHT--what is seen and unseen by King Oedipus is important

7. Review the importance of the CHORUS--this, too will be important when we begin reading the play.

8. Aristotle believed that the best Greek dramas had a strong sense of unity; there was unity of place: all (or most) the action occurred in one location; unity of time (indicated on the video): the action took place _____________; and he believed it was important to have unity of action, by which he meant that one action resulted logically from the next.

The myth of Oedipus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fs64MMriEc&noredirect=1

This video summarizes the story of Oedipus. The audience would have known this story BEFORE watching the play; the story inevitably raises these questions:

1. Why watch a story/movie/play, when you already know what's going to happen?  Why does Hollywood continue to re-make the same movie?

2. Which governs our lives: our own decisions/free will OR fate/destiny?  Can one change his/her destiny?

3. Does anyone really know himself? Are we sure of who we are? Do we really know our own identity?

YOU NEED TO KNOW THE STORY OF OEDIPUS BEFORE WE BEGIN READING THE PLAY. IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN THE VIDEO, FIND A SUMMARY ONLINE, TAKE NOTES, SO YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THE IRONY.