Greek Terms

Question 1

Tragedy

Answer 1

A literary form in which the hero suffers extreme misfortune that is not accidental or meaningless. Told in verse, it tells the stories of heroic legends.

Question 2

Tragic Hero

Answer 2

Protagonist that is of High Stature that is imperfect; has a tragic flaw. Believes in his cause but suffers greatly he is refined by his disaster.

Question 3

Archetype

Answer 3

A pattern in literature; a model after which things are patterned. (ex: hero, villain, damsel in distress, mentor etc.)

Question 4

Tragic Flaw

Answer 4

A fundamental character weakness that leads to a tragic hero’s fall (ambition, pride, jealousy…)

Question 5

Hamartia

Answer 5

Fall of a great or noble man due to a tragic flaw

Question 6

Hubris

Answer 6

Excessive pride

Question 7

Xenia

Answer 7

Greek code of hospitality in which the guest/host relationship is honored. Zeus is the god of Xenia.

Question 8

Cleos

Answer 8

Honor, Glory, Reputation.

Question 9

Dramatic Irony

Answer 9

When the audience knows more than the character(s) Ramps up the DRAMA.

Question 10

Catharsis

Answer 10

Purging feeling of pity and fear.

Question 11

Piety

Answer 11

Devotion to the gods.