2. The structure (plot) of the Greek play:
• A play opened with a prologue spoken by an
actor who usually had no other role in the
drama
• The prologue is followed by the Chorus to
provide what is called as Parodos : a general
lyrical commentary
• After the parodos, the play begins with a
dialogue. Each section of the dialogue is called
an episode. The play consist of several episodes
separated from each other by the songs of the
Chorus.
3. The chorus’ songs:
• The first song of the Chorus that follow the
first episode is called the Stasimon
• At the end of the play there is a song that is
called the Commos in which the actors
participate in the chorus.
• The last part of the play is called the Exodus
4. A Greek Tragedy
• Is a well organized story; it has a beginning a middle
and an end
• It has to illustrate the principle of tragedy and show
the downfall of a hero who is from a higher rank (like
a prince or a famous warrior). The hero must commit
a mistake as a result of his pride (or hubris) and that
mistake leads to his disaster (or Catastrophe)
• The tragic suffering of the hero arouse the feelings of
fear and pity in the audience. The effect of such
feelings is to produce emotional purgation (or
catharsis)
5. Modern Tragedy Structure (plot)
• Consists of 5 parts:
• 1- Introduction: in which the character and story
are introduced
• 2- Development or complications that marks the
progress of the play towards the climax
• 3- Climax: when the hero has to make a decision
or choice that will affect his fortune
• 4- Denouement: when the action moves
towards the catastrophe and the complications
are resolved
• 5- Catastrophe: the tragic end in which the hero
usually loses his life
6. Differences between Classical Drama and Modern
Drama
Classical Greek Drama
• Religious plays - a play was an act
of worship
• Stories are based on well- known
legends or tales.
• Open -air stage
• Curtains were NOT used
• The play is NOT divided into acts
or scenes
• The three unities rule was
followed
• Only one story
• Characters were mythological
legends ( larger than life/super
heroes/ Demi-gods)
• Fate plays an important part in
the story
• Chorus existed
Modern Drama
• the purpose of the modern plays is
to provide aesthetic entertainment
• Invented stories by the playwright
• Closed roof building
• Curtains were used
• The play was divided into acts and
scenes.
• The Three unities rule wasnot
followed
• May have many stories
• Characters were ordinary normal
people not royalty not demi-gods
• Hero’s flaw plays an important role
in the story
• Chorus disappeared
