Greek theatre terms

Question 1

Pathos

Answer 1

a literacy device that is designed to inspire emotions from readers. Pathos, Greek for “suffering” or “experience,” originated as a conceptual mode of persuasion with the Greek philosopher, Aristotle.

Question 2

Catharsis

Answer 2

the process of releasing strong or pent-up emotions through art. 
Aristotle coined the term catharsis—which comes from the Greek kathairein meaning “to cleanse or purge”—to describe the release of emotional tension

Today, the word “catharsis” can be used in reference to any experience of emotional release or cleansing brought about by a work of art.

Question 3

Hamartia

Answer 3

a literary term that refers to a tragic flaw or error that leads to a character’s downfall.

A character’s tragic flaw isn’t necessarily a morally reprehensible one. On the contrary, the flaw is sometimes an apparently positive quality, such as trusting others.

Question 4

Hubris

Answer 4

excessive pride or overconfidence, which drives a person to overstep limits in a way that leads to their downfall.

In classical definitions, hubris referred specifically to a defiance of the gods or of divine order. The contemporary definition of hubris, however, is broader. It includes the defiance of other types of authority, such as a general disregard for the limits of human capability.

Both heroes and villains can display hubris.

• overconfidence with makes people to overstep limits leading to their downfall
• classical definition: a defiance of the gods or divine order
• ## contemporary definition: general disregard for the limits of human capability

Question 5

Anagnorisis

Answer 5

the point in a text in which a principal character makes a critical discovery.

The moment of anagnorisis may be a realization about the character’s self, their situation, or something about a different character. This may include revelation of a character’s true identity, their actual relationship with another character, or their misinterpretation of something important.

Question 6

chorus

Answer 6

a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation.
The purpose of the Greek chorus was to provide background and summary information to the audience to help them understand what was going on in the performance – like a bridge between the audience and the action.

Question 7

dramatic irony

Answer 7

when the audience has a piece of knowledge (usually a significant one) that a character does not have. It is a form of irony that is expressed through a work’s structure.

Question 8

• inspires emotions from readers.
• Greek meaning : “suffering” or “experience”
  conceptual mode of persuasion of Aristotle

Answer 8

Pathos

Question 9

• releasing of strong or pent-up emotions through art
• Greek meaning: “to cleanse or purge” - release of emotional tension
• today it is used to reference any experience of emotional release.

Answer 9

Catharsis