Greek_Literature_Comedy_and_Tragedy3.pptx

About ancient greek literature

1. Greek Literature: Comedy and Tragedy The Origins of Western Drama

2. Introduction to Greek Literature Greek literature began between the 8th and 4th centuries BC. It shaped Western thought and included epic, lyric, and dramatic works.

3. Origins of Greek Drama Drama grew from religious rituals honoring Dionysus. Thespis, the first actor, introduced dialogue and performance.

4. Theatre and Performance Greek plays were staged in open-air amphitheatres. The chorus narrated events, and actors wore masks to portray emotions.

5. Tragedy: Definition and Aim Tragedy depicted human suffering and moral conflict. Aristotle defined it as a story that evokes pity and fear, ending in catharsis.

6. Structure of Tragedy Parts: Prologue, Parodos, Episodes, Stasimon, and Exodus — forming the emotional rhythm of the play.

7. Famous Tragic Playwrights Aeschylus (The Oresteia), Sophocles (Oedipus Rex), and Euripides (Medea) were pioneers of tragic storytelling.

8. Themes in Tragedy Fate, pride, divine justice, and human error dominate tragic literature.

9. Comedy: Definition and Function Comedy mocked society, politics, and human flaws. It was both entertaining and moral.

10. Old and New Comedy Aristophanes (Old Comedy) satirized politics. Menander (New Comedy) explored everyday life and love.

11. Tragedy vs Comedy Tragedy is serious and emotional; comedy is humorous and critical — both reflect Greek life and philosophy.

12. Legacy of Greek Theatre Greek drama inspired Shakespeare and modern plays. The architecture and performance styles endure today.

13. References Sources: Britannica.com, Ancient.eu, GreekMythology.com, National Geographic History