OVERVIEW.
Students read Sophocles' play Oedipus the King, learning about the classic form of the Greek tragedy. Student's examine Aristotle's Poetics and his definitions of comedy and tragedy to deepen their understanding of tragedy. This unit will confirm students' shared understanding of the elements of drama, preparing them for the study of other dramatic works throughout high school.
Students read Sophocles' play Oedipus the King, learning about the classic form of the Greek tragedy. Student's examine Aristotle's Poetics and his definitions of comedy and tragedy to deepen their understanding of tragedy. This unit will confirm students' shared understanding of the elements of drama, preparing them for the study of other dramatic works throughout high school.
FOCUS STANDARDS.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES.
- Identify and explain the elements of drama in general, and in Greek drama in particular (see Terminology section)
- Explain the structure of the plot and describe the dramatic techniques the playwright uses to advance them
- Trace the development of major and minor characters and explain how characterization advances the plot or theme
- Understand Aristotle's definitions of comedy and tragedy and explain how Oedipus the King exemplifies the term tragedy
- Analyze the playwright's use of irony
LITERATURE
ONLINE LEARNING
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TERMINOLOGY
Anagnorisis
Antistrophe Catastrophe Catharsis Chorus Comedy Deus ex machina Dialogue Dithyramb |
Episode
Exodos Hamartia Hubris Irony: dramatic, situational, verbal Monologue Orchestra Parados Peripeteia |
Prologue
Stasimon Strophe Theatron Three rules of unity Tragedy Tragic flaw Tragic hero |
VIDEO GALLERY 1. The Origins of Greek Drama
From Ritual to Theater - Part 1
A documentary on the origins and dramatic conventions of Greek theater. This episode focuses on the theater architecture and Sophocles' tragedy Antigone. From Ritual to Theater - Part 3
A documentary on the origins and dramatic conventions of Greek theater. This episode focuses on the elements of Greek comedy using Aristophanes' play Lysistrata. |
From Ritual to Theater - Part 2
A documentary on the origins and dramatic conventions of Greek theater. This episode focuses on the Euripides' tragedy Medea. The Origins of Greek Drama
A short documentary on the history of Greek theater, which presents important terminology and historical figures germane to the development of tragedy plays. |
VIDEO GALLERY 2. Oedipus the King
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A Day in the Life of the Oracle at Delphi
A TED-Ed Video by Mark Robinson (5m 7s) Follow Aristonike, an Oracle-in-training in Delphi, as she studies to become the Pythia and communicate Apollo’s will and prophecies. |
Delphi: The Bellybutton of the Ancient World (Documentary)
The Delphic Oracle was the most important source of prophecies in the ancient world. In central Greece, on the flank of Mount Parnassus, lies the ruined city of Delphi. For over a thousand years, between approximately 800 BCE and 400 CE, this was the most sacred place in the ancient world. Its chief attraction was the Delphic Oracle, which predicted the future and offered petitioners advice. |
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Oedipus and the Sphinx
The mythological creature known as the Sphinx was said to have terrorized the ancient city of Thebes by asking travelers a set of riddles. Those who answered answered incorrectly would be devoured. But the Sphinx finally met her match when a foreigner from Corinth named Oedipus arrived at Thebes. |
Mighty Aphrodite: Opening Scene
Dir. by Woody Allen (1995) A very fine reenactment of what the performance of a chorus may have looked like in an actual Greek ampitheater. |
VIDEO GALLERY 3. Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy
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An Illustrated Summary of Aristotle's Poetics
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Aristotle's Theory of Tragedy
An informational video by Course Hero about Aristotle's rules for the basic elements of Greek tragedy. |