| Performance Indicator:
Reading Analysis: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. |
Your responsibility today is to examine, in groups, the various internet documents to acquire a foundation of learning in order to define the terms and answer the questions appearing on the accompanying outline. The outline will be instrumental in directing our understanding of tragedy as it applies to the Greek works of Oedipus the King and The Odyssey as well as our subsequent study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Parts 1 & 2 of the outline, for each student, is to be completed for DAY 2 on the syllabus.
Outline of Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy
Outline of Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy (video lecture)
Tragedy: The Basics
Aristotle and the Elements of Tragedy
Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy
The Poetics by Aristotle translated by S.H. Butcher #1 format
The Poetics by Aristotle translated by S.H. Butcher #2 format (audio version)
Aristotle: Poetics
Aristotle: The Poetics (Tuft’s University translation)
Chorus (Strophe/Antistrophe)
Teacher’s Notes
Greek Tragedy Outline
PART 1 Define the following terms: Provide examples from Oedipus the King for the final eight terms. Express how the play Oedipus the King best fulfills Aristotle’s definition of tragedy.
epic
dithyramb
Pauson inferior
Dionysus normal
Aristotle’s definition of tragedy
Metre
Melody
Oracle
Oracle of Delphi
Mise en scene
Stasimon
Peripety
Catharsis
Hubris
Pathos
Hamartia
PART 2 In writing, respond to the following questions according to Aristotle’s The Poetics
1. According to Aristotle, what are the six elements in every tragedy? Define each element.
2. What is the source and soul of tragedy?
3. When Aristotle speaks of The Tragic Pattern, how is pity induced?
4. What does Aristotle mean by the tragedy with a double plot? What example does he offer?
5. What role does the chorus play in Greek tragedies?
6. How is the expression deus ex machina associated with Greek theatre?
7. According to Aristotle what is the reason for the downfall of the tragic hero?
PART 3
| Performance Indicators:
Research-based Writing: Compose research-based writing to examine a topic through the selection, organization, analysis, and synthesis of relevant content. Writing Craft: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. |
Upon completing the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles, summarize the play according to Aristotle’s six elements of tragedy (Plot, Characters, Diction, Thought, Spectacle, Melody). First, begin by restating Aristotle’s definition of tragedy. Your summary of the six elements follow the definition. The summary should begin by introducing the element according to Aristotle’s definition. Explain, in your words, what he meant by plot then summarize that element as it applies to Oedipus the King. Your response should include a supporting passage from the play that serves to validate your summary along with the page number that the passage is located on for each of the six elements. This information will prove valuable later in the quarter when you are required to write an expository essay about Greek Tragedy according to Aristotle’s definition. Label each of the six elements and summarize each accordingly. Incorporate the terminology from PART 1 in your summary where appropriate. Represent the terms in bold when using the terminology from PART 1 in your summary.
PARTS 1,2 & 3 are to be submitted to turnitin