The document provides background information on the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus and his trilogy The Oresteia. It discusses key aspects of Greek theater like the chorus, conventions of Greek drama, and characteristics of a tragic hero. The Oresteia addresses the cycle of violence in the House of Atreus through the use of gods, dialogue, and the tragic downfall of characters.

1. Aeschylus and The Oresteia

2. Background Born in 525 or 524 B.C. Died in 456 B.C. Considered the Second Father of Theater Wrote 90 plays – 7 survive

3. Background Plays were mostly written for festivals Won 13 times for 52 plays Typical to produce 4 plays Trilogy of Tragedies One Satyr Drama Comic Relief Satyrs are followers of Dionysus Half man/Half goat Wild creatures constantly engaged in mischief

4. Aeschylus’ Impact Important to drama for his innovations 1. Introduction of second actor 2. Made dialogue independent of Chorus 3. Created suspense by letting one character remain silent 4. Reduced Chorus size from 50 to 12 5. Made use of special effects

5. Aeschylus’ Impact 6. Increased use of dialogue 7. Elaborate staging 8. Plays become moral and theological problems As a result, his works become the standard by which all later tragedies are judged

6. The Greek Theater Greek Drama Audience must visualize the scene through Dialogue Plot/Action Character Development

7. Greek Theater Greek drama evolved from religious festivals paying homage to Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, to performing stories of mortal culture heroes Greeks viewed drama as important Funded by the state Celebrated Greek civilization

8. The Greek Theater Two or three male actors played all parts Gods were used in Greek theater Purpose? To set matters right among mortals To rescue characters from complications beyond their abilities Gods were lowered from roof of skene by mechanical devices Known as deus ex machina (god out of a machine)

9. The Chorus Role of the Chorus? To give background information To assess a character’s strengths To chide a character’s weaknesses To give advice To be an observer of the action Could also be a participant To help change the scene or mood

10. The Chorus Who comprised the chorus? Male volunteers drawn from the public Rehearsals lasted for approximately 1 year What did they wear? Masks with a mouthpiece to amplify voice Padded costumes Elevated shoes

11. Stylistic Characteristics of Greek Drama 1. Emphasis is placed on words Formal, impassioned speeches rather than physical action Audience ponders actions and events rather than seeing them Greek audiences were trained to listen Rhetoric was a large part of their education Nucleus of play is a formal debate Builds powerful argument for one side, then the other side – Audience reaches a decision

12. Stylistic Characteristics of Greek Drama 2. Plays were divided into 5 main parts 1. Prologue (prologos) Opening Speech, established the main line of the story 2. Parados Formal entrance of the Chorus Chorus gives perspective on what audience has learned in the prologue 3. Episodia (episodes) Characters engage in dialogues Often heated debates over conflicts in the play

13. Stylistic Characteristics of Greek Drama 4. Stasimon (Choral Ode) Follows each episode Chorus responds to and interprets preceding dialogue Chanted or sung as chorus moves rhythmically Strophes and Antistrophes 5. Exodus Last scene Follows final episode and stasimon Resolution Characters leave stage

14. Stylistic Characteristics of Greek Drama 3. Irony contributes to the final impact of the tragic experience Dramatic Irony Character’s actions and words are understood by the audience, but not by himself Tragic Irony Involves twists & turns of fate The harder the hero tries to avoid catastrophe, the faster it hits

15. Stylistic Characteristics of Greek Drama 4. Audience is reminded of their own vulnerabilities 5. Audience goes through a “cleansing” by end of play Realizes how great human beings have become

16. Greek Tragedy 1. Focuses on a courageous individual who confronts powerful forces Forces can be either internal and/or external Faces forces with dignity 2. Assertion of the fundamental greatness of mankind Shows heights human being can reach Shows the depth of the human spirit in the face of failure, defeat, or even death 3. Not sad or depressing

17. Greek Tragedy Greeks drew from tragedy NOT that life is not worth living... BUT …that because life is worth living, the obstacles are worth overcoming.

18. Tragic Hero 1. Human Not a god What makes him human is that he suffers Makes his fall more terrifying 2. Of Noble Stature Originally nobility

19. Tragic Hero 3. Has a Tragic Flaw Both internal & external forces can lead to downfall May involve Hubris Usually involves Hamartia Error, mistake, or moral defect “ Wrong Act” * Circumstances outside of personality and beyond one’s control “ Misunderstood Acts” * Acts that overtake & thwart the hero’s intentions * Thus, virtue can lead to destruction

20. Tragic Hero 4. Faces conflict Does not cringe or flee Does not accept fate meekly Objects with vehemence, logic, defiance 4. Recognizes who/what he is at the end Recognizes what is happening Moment change occurs ( peripeteia ) leads to recognition