Electra Flashcards
(40 cards)
When was this play written?
Between 425-413 BC
Golden Age
Who wrote this play?
Sophocles
What is the genre of this play?
Greek Tragedy
How was the play originally performed?
In an amphitheatre:
only in summer(light), open air, since no form of stage lighting.
Actors wore masks to enhance their characters emotions,
Thousands of people watching
Are there any contextual factors you should be aware of, when studying this play?
God and men relationship Women were not allowed on stage Patriarchal society Audience believed in myths and legends Violence was never shown
At what time of the day does this play start?
Morning, day break.
What is Electra’s younger sister called?
Chrysothemis
What happened to Electra’s other sister, Iphigenia?
Sacrificed by father
Which character does the Tutor serve?
Orestes
Who is Pylades?
Orestes friend
What did Apollo instruct Orestes to do?
To avenge his father’s death.
Who kills Agamemnon?
Clytemnestra
Who kills Clytemnestra?
Orestes
What happened to Agamemnon?
Murdered by Clytemnestra
Who is Aegisthus?
Clytemnestra’s new lover / husband
Why does Orestes not live with the family?
Electra sent him away,
He is an heir to the throne
And his life is threat from Clytemnestra
Who is the chorus?
Women of the town
Narrative
They intervene/act
What are the main themes that are shown throughout the play?
Family
Revenge
Justice
Role of women in society
What is the greatest challenge when performing the play nowadays?
To let the audience understand the strong bond men shared with the gods
Which modern theatre most represents an amphitheatre?
In the National Theatre: Olivier theatre
When was this play written?
Between 425-413 BC
Golden Age
Who wrote this play?
Sophocles
What is the genre of this play?
Greek Tragedy
How was the play originally performed?
In an amphitheatre:
only in summer(light), open air, since no form of stage lighting.
Actors wore masks to enhance their characters emotions,
Thousands of people watching
