|
Tragedy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
||
|
As was noted in the discussion of the Iliad, the word "tragedy" refers primarily to tragic drama: ... The modern reader of Greek Tragedy, whether in English or even in the original Greek, finds it very difficult to appreciate the effect of these choral songs which are devoid of their music and dance.
|
||
|
|
||
|
The classic discussion of Greek tragedy is Aristotle's Poetics. He defines tragedy as "the imitation of an action that is serious and also as having magnitude, complete in itself." He continues, "Tragedy is a form of drama exciting the emotions of pity and fear.
|
||
|
Although the origins of Greek Tragedy and Comedy are obscure and controversial, our ancient sources allow us to construct a rough chronology of some of the steps in their development.
|
||
|
This Resource Has Moved All rights reserved. ... The Teaching Company - Portable Educational Courses on DVD, Audio CD, Cassette and MP3 Shopping Cart Your Account Gift Certificates Libraries Help 1-800-TEACH-12 Home Courses Professors Our Guarantee About Us FAQ Special Offers filler Search Recent Releases Best Sellers...
|
||
|
(The Greek word for actor is hypokrites, which literally means "answerer." It is the source for our English word "hypocrite.") Tragedy was recognized as an official state cult in Athens in 534 BC. According to tradition, the playwright Aeschylus added a second actor and Sophocles added a third.
|
Copyright © 2010, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.