Influences of Athenian Society on Greek Theatre

Review: Athenian Audience

● The audience of Greek plays were usually exclusively males

● Roles of characters were all played by male actors● In Antigone we see how the most respected people in

the Athenian society were Male elders● Women were usually forbidden to be among the

audience members

Presentation of Gods & Oracles

Oracles of Delphi- The most important shrine in all Greece● Respected by all Greeks - Was the center of the World● People come from all over the Greece to have their questions about their future

answered by the priestess of Apollo● Teiresias was the prophet of Apollo in Antigone

○ Warned Creon that god is displeased and he will be punishedGods took parts in plays during Ancient Greek Theatre ● Were the motivation for creating Greek Plays● Greek Gods usually resolved the play’s chaos● “For my part, God is my witness, who sees all, always” (202-203)

Religious BeliefsReligious beliefs (especially regarding Olympian Gods), growing cynicism of Sophocles’ time – reflected in play? Influences attitudes towards the gods evident in play?

● Accepted Greek mythology○ collection of myths, legends, and teachings of Ancient Greeks○ focuses on origins, nature of the world, and ritual practices

● Greek Mythology believes in Olympian Gods controlling the natural world and the fate of humans● Theban citizens Wanted to please the Gods in return for good fortune● Shift to belief in a single, supreme god rather than a deity of gods

○ Sophocles was a priest to Asclepius - The Greek God of Medicine○ Sophocles still believed in the deity of Gods

Religious Belief in Antigone

References numerous Gods throughout his play Antigone to project his approval of traditional Greek beliefs

Chorus: “Let us go to all the shrines of the gods and dance all night” (167-168)Creon: “For God’s sake, tell me and get out of here!” (267)

All Gods were respected in the play; Divine Power valued over MortaCreon concedes to Teiresias’ proclamation by the Gods“Creon: Oh, it is hard; I must give up what my heart would have me do. But it is ill to fight against what must be.” (1170-1172)

Importance of Debate in Athenian Public Life

● Agora - central spot in ancient Greece which translates to gathering place or assembly.○ Center of athletic, artistic, spiritual, and political life of the city.

● Pnyx - Hill in central Athens, where Athenians would gather and host popular assemblies○ One of the earliest places where democracy was created

Chorus: “And now when the city, with all its folk, is gripped by a violent plague,comes with healing foot, over the slopes of Parnassus”(1205-1207)Haemon: “the city mourns for this girl; they think she is dying most wrongly and most undeservedly.” (744-745)

Importance of Debate in Athenian Public Life

● Law courts - Athen’s judicial system. Juries of people would decide who was guilty and what their punishment should be.○ Held many reforms to truly uphold the value of justice

● Episode - interaction between characters’ dialogue and the chorus○ Debate between chorus and Creon about what should be done

Creon: “Death-it is death that will stop the marriage…Chorus: Your decision it seems is taken: she shall die.Creon: “Both you and I have decided it. No more delay.”(630-633)

Context of Religious FestivalAthletic Games and competitions in music and theatre (both tragedy and comedy) were held during festivals in cities such as the City Dionysia of Athens

● Religious festivals acted as a way to honour specific gods○ The first Greek drama was in honour of the Greek god Dionysus, the Greek god of wine,

fertility and revelry.○ There were four major celebrations, with three revolved around theatre/drama

performances in honour of Dionysus and based in the City of Dionysia, the Lenaia, and Rural Dionysia

Chorus : “Now victory, whose name is great, has cometo Thebes of many chariotswith joy to answer her joy,to bring forgetfulness of these wars; let us go to all the shrines of the godsand dance all night long.” (163-168)

Ancient Greek Concepts● Hubris - extreme pride or self-confidence. If a person offends the gods of

Greece by their hubris, they usually are punished.○ Creon doesn’t let Antigone bury her brother

● Catharsis - emotional outpour of a character. When a character realizes their flaw or downfall, they often deliver a cathartic speech.

● Hamartia - a character’s fatal flaw that leads to the downfall of a tragic hero/heroine○ Hubris is Creon’s hamartia as he is so prideful and refuses to listen to

anyone. He cannot acknowledge that he is wrong.

Examples of Hamartia and HubrisCREON: My enemy is still my enemy, even in deathANTIGONE: My nature is to join in love, not hateCREON: Go then to the world below, yourself, if you must love. Love them. When i am alive no woman shall rule.No woman shall be the master while I live. (574-577)

CREON: O God, I am sick with fear. Are there no swords here? Has no one a blow for me? MESSENGER: Her curse is upon you for the deaths of both.CREON: It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty. I know it, and I say it. Lead me in (1238-1242)

Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?Host: Sophocles

$100,000How does Athenian Society’s perception of the Delphi Oracle relate to its importance within Sophocles's play Antigone?

A. Thebans act like Athenians, so they respect the Oracle, hearken unto its prophecies. Also, prophet Teiresias’ warning altered Antigone’s Plot.

C. Thebans act like Athenians, so they prefer to take its word as opinion rather than order. The Oracle mainly adds to the play’s debate elements.

B. Thebans are not like Athenians and disregard the Oracle’s prophecies. The Oracle shows society’s transition away from religion.

D. Thebans act like Athenians and shun the Oracle’s prophecies. The Oracle shows society’s transition away from religion.

How does Athenian Society’s perception of the Delphi Oracle relate to its importance within Sophocles's play Antigone?

“For my part, God is my witness, who sees all, always” (202-203)

“Creon: Oh, it is hard; I must give up what my heart would have me do. But it is ill to fight against what must be.” (1170-1172)

$100,000

A. Thebans act like Athenians, so they respect the Oracle, hearken unto its prophecies. Also, prophet Teiresias’ warning altered Antigone’s Plot.

$200,000How did the festival of Dionysia impact Greek Theatre?

A. Helped create a setting for playwrights to collaborate.

C. Invented the playwright and celebrated theatre as the main focus of the Dionysia Festival.

B. Only festival to allow women to attend a play performance.

D. Invented the playwright, increased theatre’s popularity, and made Greek plays a celebration of Greek Gods and Goddesses.

$200,000How did the festival of Dionysia impact Greek Theatre?

Chorus : “Now victory, whose name is great, has come

to Thebes of many chariots

with joy to answer her joy,

to bring forgetfulness of these wars; let us go to all the shrines of the gods

and dance all night long.” (163-168)

D. Invented the playwright, increased theatre’s popularity, and made Greek plays a celebration of Greek Gods and Goddesses.

$400,000How does the growing cynicism towards traditional Greek Mythology impact Sophocles's selection of details within Antigone?

A. Sophocles supported the growing cynicism towards traditional Greek Mythology by constantly referring to Zeus as a representative of the Gods.

C. Sophocles denounces the cynicism towards Greek mythology by constant referral to Zeus.

B. Sophocles insults the cynicism towards traditional Greek mythology by supporting Greek customs and applying a negative connotation to the concept of one supreme being within Antigone.

D. Sophocles supported the growing cynicism towards traditional Greek mythology by portraying dominate opposition to the Gods.

$400,000How does the growing cynicism towards traditional Greek Mythology impact Sophocles's selection of details within Antigone?

B. Sophocles insults the cynicism towards traditional Greek mythology by supporting Greek customs and applying a negative connotation to the concept of one supreme being within Antigone.

Chorus: “Let us go to all the shrines of the gods and dance all night” (167-168)

Creon: “For God’s sake, tell me and get out of here!”(267)

$600,000 How do hubris, hamartia, and Catharsis correlate with certain characters in Antigone? Which characters represent these aspects most clearly?

A. Antigone’s hamartia was her loyalty to Creon. Creon realized he had too much hubris and both Antigone and Creon gave a cathartic speech.

C. Creon’s hamartia was his reliance on democracy. After Antigone realized she had too much hubris, she delivered a cathartic speech.

B. Creon’s hubris was hamartia, and he delivered a cathartic speech after realizing his tragic flaw.

D. Antigone’s hubris was her hamartia. Catharsis was not relevant in this drama.

strawpoll.me/5396116 How do hubris, hamartia, and Catharsis correlate with certain characters in Antigone? Which characters represent these aspects most clearly?

A. Antigone’s hamartia was her loyalty to Creon. Creon realized he had too much hubris and both Antigone and Creon gave a cathartic speech.

C. Creon’s hamartia was his reliance on democracy. After Antigone realized she had too much hubris, she delivered a cathartic speech.

B. Creon’s hubris was hamartia, and he delivered a cathartic speech after realizing his tragic flaw.

D. Antigone’s hubris was her hamartia. Catharsis was not relevant in this drama.

$600,000How do hubris, hamartia, and Catharsis correlate with certain characters in Antigone? Which characters represent these aspects most clearly?

CREON: O God, I am sick with fear.

Are there no swords here? Has no one a blow for me?

MESSENGER: Her curse is upon you for the deaths of both.

CREON: It is right that it should be. I alone am guilty.

I know it, and I say it. Lead me in (1238-1242)

B. Creon’s hubris was hamartia, and he delivered a cathartic speech after realizing his tragic flaw

$800,000How does Athenian Society’s preference for masculinity impact the development of Antigone’s plot?

A. Reflected in Creon’s harsher treatment and sexist view of Antigone.

C. Reflected in Antigone’s defiance to Creon’s law in order to justly bury her brother.

B. Reflected in Teiresias’ prophecy against Creon’s actions.

D. Reflected in Creon’s remorse for losing both of his sons to death.

$800,000How does Athenian Society’s preference for masculinity impact the development of Antigone’s plot?

A. Reflected in Creon’s harsher treatment and sexist view of Antigone.

Creon: “Your nature is vile, in yielding to a woman.” (804)

Creon: ...“When i am alive no woman shall rule.” (576)

$1,000,000How do some characters within Antigone articulate the Athenian debate elements of Agora, Pnyx, and Judicial courts. What would the play be like without these Athenian elements of debate?

A. Some characters attract attention to controversial topics in which determine justice within Antigone. Without these characters, Antigone would never be able to have an interactive chorus.

B. Some characters emulate debate elements mostly to make the play relatable to Athenians. Without it Antigone would not be able make Athenians relate to the plot.D. Some characters within Antigone showed the debate elements to make the play more pleasing towards law officials. Without it Sophocles would lost part of his audience because he would not be able to relate to them.

C. All the characters within Antigone use debate elements to help articulate a better point of view of each character through their arguments. Without it the story would lose characterization.

strawpoll.me/5396129How do some characters within Antigone articulate the Athenian debate elements of Agora, Pnyx, and Judicial courts. What would the play be like without these Athenian elements of debate?

A. Some characters attract attention to controversial topics in which determine justice within Antigone. Without these characters, Antigone would never be able to have an interactive chorus.

B. Some characters emulate debate elements mostly to make the play relatable to Athenians. Without it Antigone would not be able make Athenians relate to the plot.D. Some characters within Antigone showed the debate elements to make the play more pleasing towards law officials. Without it Sophocles would lost part of his audience because he would not be able to relate to them.

C. All the characters within Antigone use debate elements to help articulate a better point of view of each character through their arguments. Without it the story would lose characterization.

$1,000,000How do some characters within Antigone articulate the Athenian debate elements of Agora, Pnyx, and Judicial courts. What would the play be like without these Athenian elements of debate?

A. Some characters attract attention to controversial topics in which determine justice within Antigone. Without these characters, Antigone would never be able to have an interactive chorus.

Chorus: “And now when the city, with all its folk,

is gripped by a violent plague,

comes with healing foot, over the slopes of Parnassus” (1205-1207)

Haemon: “the city mourns for this girl; they think she is dying most wrongly and most undeservedly.” (744-745)

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Sept. 2015.● "A Glimpse at Some Ancient Greek Ideas." Province of the Mind. Dara, n.d. Web. 01

Sept. 2015.● "Antigone - Analysis of Greek Ideals." Novelguide. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.● "Thomas R. Martin, An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to

Alexander." Thomas R. Martin, An Overview of Classical Greek History from Mycenae to Alexander, Athenian Religious and Cultural Life in the Golden Age, The Development of Athenian Tragedy. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.

● "Ancient Greek Home." Ancient Athens. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.

● "King Creon vs. Antigone." AngelFire. Elizabeth Adams, n.d. Web. 01 Sept. 2015.