What is the origin of a Greek chorus?
What is the origin of a Greek chorus?
The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation. Greek tragedy had its beginnings in choral performances, in which a group of 50 men danced and sang dithyrambs—lyric hymns in praise of the god Dionysus.
What was the purpose of the chorus in Greek Theatre?
The chorus speaks directly to the audience and may not interact with the main characters of a story at all. Their purpose is to underscore the moral themes, actions, character development, and messages of a story to the audience. The Greek chorus was prevalent in classical Greek drama of the 5th century BCE.
How did Sophocles influence Greek tragedy?
Sophocles influenced the development of drama, most importantly by adding a third actor (attributed to Sophocles by Aristotle; to Aeschylus by Themistius), thereby reducing the importance of the chorus in the presentation of the plot. He also developed his characters to a greater extent than earlier playwrights.
What are the five functions of the Greek chorus?
They function, scholars have suggested variously, to offer a sense of rich spectacle to the drama; to provide time for scene changes and give the principle actors a break; to offer important background and summary information that facilitates an audience’s ability to follow the live performance; to offer commentary …
Why was Sophocles chosen to lead the chorus of victory?
After beating the Persians after the Battle of Salamis, the young Sophocles was chosen to lead chorus of victory. ( John Talbott Donoghue / CC0 ) In 480 BC, the Greeks, who were led by Athens, defeated the Persians at the Battle of Salamis. At the victory celebrations, Sophocles was chosen to lead the paean (a song of triumph or thanksgiving).
What is the history of the Greek chorus?
The history of the Greek Chorus can be traced back to a relatively small time period; from the original Dithyrambs, to Thespis’ small, but revolutionizing changes to the system, to Aeschylus’ triple entente of tragedies The Oresteia, which included the infamous Agamemnon.
Who is Sophocles in Greek literature?
Sophocles ( / ˈsɒfəkliːz /; Greek: Σοφοκλῆς Sophoklēs, pronounced [so.pʰo.klɛ̂ːs]; c. 497/6 – winter 406/5 BC) is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than or contemporary with those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides.
What did Sophocles do for Athens?
Sophocles was a priest of Halon and helped introduce the cult of Asclepius, god of medicine, to Athens. He was honored posthumously as a hero (Source: Greek Tragedy An Introduction, by Bernhard Zimmerman. 1986.)
