5 functions of a greek chorus

It’s no coincidence that this production comes from a culture where ritual still forms an important part of life. They're probably old men because most of the young ones have just died in battle. Aristotle says in his poetics- “ The chorus too should be regarded as one of actors; it should be an integral part of the whole and take a share in the action that which it has in Sophocles rather than Euripides.”The chorus was a group personality consisting of twelve or fifteen elder citizens. The origins of the chorus in particular may have stemmed out of ancient rites and rituals with elements of song and dance, and most importantly – the gathering of people. The basic structure of a Greek tragedy is fairly simple. Thespis was the first of the Greek drama writers to utilize a mask. Poetics. The choric dithyrambs (choral songs) were originally about the death and resurrection of Dionysus (god of wine and fertility). The Chorus is part ritual part thematic device that play a much larger role in Greek Tragedy than in the other genres. Before the introduction of several actors by Aeschylus, the Greek chorus was the main performer opposite a solitary actor. The Chorus is roughly like the peanut-gallery. Reflects upon the events of the story, makes predictions, and asks questions. They function, scholars have suggested variously, to offer a sense of rich spectacle to the drama; to provide time for scene changes and give the principle actors a break; to offer important background and summary information that facilitates an audience’s ability to follow the live performance; to offer commentary … The chorus (in Greek, χορός=dance) is in short a dancing and singing ensemble which represents the voice of the citizens in the dramas and comedies. Found inside – Page 5At the end of the festival a panel of five judges would award first, ... The Greek chorus served several functions: to comment on the action of the play; ... 4.17 (B.C. A Greek chorus, or simply chorus (Greek: χορός, khoros) in the context of Ancient Greek tragedy, comedy, satyr plays, and modern works inspired by them, is a homogeneous, non-individualised group of performers, who comment with a collective voice on the dramatic action. 7. Found inside – Page 174... Claude Calame in his influential study of female choruses rejects the term as ... function is the first place to begin in trying to define Greek genres. One of the primary functions of the chorus is to provide atmosphere and, in … ! The chorus performed using several techniques, including singing, dancing, narrating, and acting. A Greek chorus, or simply chorus (Greek: χορός, translit. These primal forces would be at the command of the playwright through the choice of character and composition of the chorus. In Aeschylus' The Eumenides, however, the chorus takes the part of a host of avenging Furies. This packet contains printables for 6 aspects of teaching Oedipus Rex: comparing Greek theater with theater of today, analyzing imagery, identifying and analyzing archetypes, determining the function of the chorus, identifying and analyzing irony, and evaluating tragic plots and tragic heroes. They also appeared at the end of the play in the epilogue. All of these gave the chorus a very important role in a typical Greek play. Found inside – Page 157In its casting choices and theatricality, the contemporary chorus play echoes the ... pragmatic functions, the Greek chorus acts as the voice of collective ... There is evidence that there were strong rhythmic components to their speaking. Discuss the function of chorus in King Oedipus. History attests (certify) the fact that the chorus is a vital role in Greek tragedy. Ancient Greek actors wore masks to represent the various characters they played, to help them project their voices and to help people sitting in seats far from the stage have some sense of character expression. Sophocles. The chorus of Greek plays was and is a group of actors speaking in unison that's an important element of Greek drama, and its purpose was to act as the narrator of the story. This is exemplified by how Oedipus’ (who is all but blind to his fate) and Teiresias’ conversation is affected by the chorus. A Greek chorus was often led by a coryphaeus. So chorus is a large organized group of people assembled together that performs with an orchestra or opera company. Found inside – Page 371 EXAMPLE 5 The primary function of a Greek chorus in a play by a dramatist such as Sophocles is to ( a ) dance ceremonially ( b ) provide the odic portion of the drama ( c ) provide a strong counterpoint to the play's protagonist ( d ) ... The Greek chorus, a group of performers who danced and sang in unison alongside the actors of a play, provided scene-setting, foreshadowing, and responses to the actors' actions onstage within both comedic and tragic forms of Greek drama (Dugdale 74-5). In case of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex the audience may have already been familiar – and in many cases probably was - with the outcome of the play. They commented on themes, and, as August Wilhelm Schlegel proposed in the early 19th century to subsequent controversy, demonstrated how the audience might react to the drama. According to Brockett and Hildy, the functions of the chorus in Greek drama include among other things: setting "the mood for the play," adding "dynamic energy," "giving advice" to the characters or even serving as an "antagonist," but also, setting up an "ethical [ ] framework" of the … But you can hear a penny drop from all the way at the top! Introduce the function of the Greek Chorus- (Roles – Strophe 1, Antistrophe 1, Strophe 2 & Antistrophe 2) 27 Read H/O # 15 24 completed Analyze the battle between the brothers and identify the king’s opinion of it. The Chorus is a group of actors that together speak, sing, and dance in one body. Also, in the information that the chorus gives the audience, are specifics about setting. Chorus of Old Men & Chorus of Old Women. Functions of Greek Chorus (1) Provided link from audience to actors, responding to the play in a manner the playwright hoped the audience would respond--the ideal spectator Functions of Greek Chorus (2) Structure of Greek Tragedyand the Role of the Chorus What you need to know when reading Oedipus Rex. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica “The chorus in Classical Greek drama was a group of actors who described and commented upon the main action of a play with song, dance, and recitation.” Choral music is interwoven into the drama to develop a deeper sense of emotional urgency, to express meaning emotionally rather than simply logically. Found inside – Page 234Foley (2003) provides an overview and a comparative analysis of the fictional roles of choruses in Greek tragedy in general. The interplay between tragic ... [citation needed]. Found inside – Page 238An International Reference Work in 5 Volumes ... The Greek chorus , according to Schlegel , " mitigates the impression of a heart - rending or moving story ... This year, I want to prepare a group of students to see the work from a different viewpoint—namely the Greek viewpoint; and we'll do that by looking at the tragedy from the point-of-view of the chorus. Found inside – Page 223Function Walther Kranz in a classic work27 divided the functions of the chorus into three: (a) it performs as a character in the play, ... In ancient Greek plays, the role of the chorus was to sing lyrical passages. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. 5. The chorus often provided other characters with the insight they needed. At the same one may praise primarily as an enhancer and amplifier of impression, and sometimes the voice of a moderator, or the moral voice of the people. The Chorus in Greek drama was a large group of performers (suggested between 12 and 30) of people who sang or chanted songs and poems, and danced during plays. Aristotle. Some historians argue that the chorus was itself considered to be an actor. They were often the same sex as the main character. The Birth of Tragedy. How to Stage Greek Tragedy Today -By Simon Goldhill "The most distinctive feature of Greek tragedy is also the most vexing for any modern company: the chorus." ! Hence the chorus would create interest by presenting an alternative or additional viewpoint. The Chorus used to be an inescapable part of ancient Greek drama, and its role was thought to be vital. In a metaphysical framework the chorus is the essence of the play and embodies a certain Dionysian consciousness which deals with the primal realms of the human condition. In this groundbreaking work, Claude Calame argues that the songs sung by choruses of young girls in ancient Greek poetry are more than literary texts; rather, they functioned as initiatory rituals in Greek cult practices. Found inside – Page 13Ethics committees on trial : are they serving a useful function ? ... treatment in a social vacuum : a Greek chorus for William T. Arch Intern Med 1985 Apr ... The Chorus is roughly like the peanut-gallery. ! tragedy through the theme of regeneration. Aristotle says in his poetics- “ The chorus too should be regarded as one of actors; it should be an integral part of the whole and take a share in the action that which it has in Sophocles rather than Euripides.”The chorus was a group personality consisting of twelve or fifteen elder citizens. ! Found inside – Page 149... 15 per cent as reflectors ( the Greek chorus function ) and 5 per cent as boosters . The watchdog function is clearly the most important for the local ... ", Murnaghan, Sheila. 25 Complete H/O #13 – Oedipus accuses Creon (for Ode 1 & Scene 2) 24 26 Read Ode 2. The Greek Chorus was used to communicate to the audience what was taking place on stage. The chorus played many typical roles, among these was reciting the prologue and epilogue, providing background information, driving the action of the play and even commenting the action of a play. New York: Routledge Press, 1990. Found inside – Page 69Now Romeo is beloved and loves again, 5 Alike bewitched by the charm of looks; But to his foe ... like the Prologue to Act I, functions like a Greek chorus. Found inside – Page 97This paper argues that the early forms of Greek spectator areas do have something to do with their functions. The evidence of early Greek 'theatre' ... His chorus passages were more relevant to the plot and more integrated in tragedies, whereas the Euripidean choruses seemingly had little to do with the plot and were often bystanders. Choral Elements of Greek Tragedy Greek theatre evolved from ritual and dance with a strong choral focus, to greater emphasis upon dramatic action. 5. Instead we should be looking into this: How can we best carry out the god’s decree?” (Sophocles 485). More importantly though, the chorus could have represented the prevalent views of the contemporary society holding up certain moral and cultural standards – much like the media does for modern people throughout their daily lives. Show them images of the Greek chorus to prompt answers if they are struggling. Aeschylus. [1] The chorus consisted of between 12 and 50 players, who variously danced, sang or spoke their lines in unison, and sometimes wore masks. "[13], During the Italian Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the theatre of ancient Greece. The chorus represents an integral aspect of Greek drama and Greek life. This volume fills the need for a clear, concise statement of what is know about the original conditions of production for tragedy, comedy, and satyr play in the age of Pericles and provides observations on all aspects of performance. [9] There is evidence that there were strong rhythmic components to their speaking. Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance. They're probably old men because most of the young ones have just died in battle. Greek tragedy was a type of play that likely has its origins Ancient Greek celebrations in honor of Dionysius and goats. Greek Tragedy & Chorus. The Chorus is given the last word in each of the three Theban plays, and perhaps the best way of understanding the different ways in which the Chorus can work is to look at each of these three speeches briefly. Firstly, according to a view accepted by many scholars, the chorus would provide commentary on actions and events that were taking place before the audience. That’s not what we need. To set a lyrical mood or tone to the drama, reinforcing the acting with vocal performance and choreography (the rhythms of the choral work were often as important as the content). The chorus may have distinguished itself by an elaborate use of language or style, varying the voice of reason or that of emotion depending on occasion and the intention of the playwright. Often functions as the conscience of the people, establishing an ethical perception from which to view the action. "[2] From this, it can be inferred that the chorus danced and sang poetry. Lateron, the chorus was used in Greek tragedies where it served mainly as a. commentator on the action. The chorus represents, on stage, the general population of the particular story, in sharp contrast with many of the themes of the ancient Greek plays which tended to be about individual heroes, gods, and goddesses. Thirdly, the chorus would allow the playwright to prepare the audience for certain key moments in the storyline, build up momentum or slow down the tempo; he could underline certain elements and downplay others. Isn't he the one with the complex?" [8] The chorus stood in the orchestra. It might well consist of sea nymphs, as in Prometheus Bound, or 15 Theban elders as in Oedipus Rex, or of any other sort of people who would represent the unison of people. In this groundbreaking work, Claude Calame argues that the songs sung by choruses of young girls in ancient Greek poetry are more than literary texts; rather, they functioned as initiatory rituals in Greek cult practices. When the first actor. ", Reflects upon the events of the story, makes predictions, and asks questions, Helps to establish mood and to heighten the dramatic moments, Often functions as the conscience of the people, establishing an ethical perception from which to view the action, Helps to establish important pacing of the play, pointing out moments at which the audience should reflect upon, what has occurred and what will later transpire, Could be in a play or outside of it, by either participating in the action or by commenting on the action as merely an observer, Interacts with the central characters, usually through a leader as spokesperson. The Greek Chorus was a group of poets, singers, and/or dancers that would comment on events in the play. The Chorus The Function Of The Chorus. Dhuga, Umit Singh. They would explain events not seen by the audience (ex. In any consideration of Oedipus Rex, the role of the Chorus cannot be ignored. At the end of Oedipus the King, the Chorus conflates the people of “Thebes” with the audience in the theater. The Greek chorus comments on themes, and—as August Wilhelm Schlegel proposed in the early 19th century to subsequent controversy—shows how an ideal audience might react to the drama. In Antigone the Chorus at times directly affects the action of the play. What function does the chorus serve in a typical ancient Greek play? 1. The main function of the Greek chorus was to act almost as a relay service between the actors and the audience, to signpost important elements of the story or to provide a commentary to the audience about a certain characters actions and previous events. It may have negotiated sympathies for one or another character, or perhaps depending on the sophistication of the particular character, it may have even guided the characters through problematic situations. The lines of choral odes provide evidence that they were sung. ! Found inside – Page 391... 234-5 Opera and Drama ( RW ) , 13 , 81 , 103 , 195 , 201 , 205 , 228-9 , 232 , 240 , 247-8 , 256 , 259 , 262 , 296 orchestra : functions as Greek chorus ... The Dramas of Aeschylus. The Greek chorus gave told the audience. Discuss with students what these exercises have to do with Greek theatre. "Choroi Achoroi: The Athenian Politics of Tragic Choral Identity." Found inside – Page 207In this particular unit students learn something about Greek tragedy and the ... and social functions of Greek theatre • conventions of the Greek theatre ... The chorus … [5] Wagner said of himself, "History gave me a model also for that ideal relation of the theater to the public which I had in mind. Such usage of the choral structure-making functions may be observed throughout many classical plays but may be more obvious in some than in others. Found inside – Page 95Reviews The Centenary of a Blue - Stocking Egomet 5 66. A Vast Venture THE DYNASTS : A DRAMA OF THE NAPOLEONIC Wars . ... ( it should seem ) designed to fulfil the functions of the Greek chorus . But the two elements do not blend . Essay from the year 2009 in the subject English - Literature, Works, grade: 1-, Harvard University (Department of English), course: Shakespeare and Modern Culture, language: English, abstract: At first view, the Chorus in Shakespeare's ... chorós), in the context of ancient Greek tragedy, comedy, satyr plays, and modern works inspired by them, is a homogeneous, non-individualised group of performers, who comment with a collective voice on the dramatic action. At fifteen members, the Chorus clearly is a great focus within Ancient Greek theatre. Of the two, Sophocles also won more dramatic contests. Chorus the Tour Guide In Henry V, the Chorus is a single person who introduces each of the play’s five acts. The chorus has its own tradition, philosophy and mode. In Greek tragedy, the chorus is a grope of persons who speak, remark, sing or advise according to the demand of the plot.In most of the Greek tragedies we find the activities of the chorus. In Aeschylus’ “Prometheus Bound”, the chorus is composed of Oceanids (nymphs from the ocean, the children of the sea god Oceanus and his wife Tethys). Found inside – Page 104... taken during the period of the Exodus and functions like an ancient Greek chorus . ... to Moses [ in the 9953 5 ° Goulder , " The Fourth Book , " 286 . Monologue or dialogue preceding 5 functions of a greek chorus entry of the chorus takes the part of group. Richard Wagner discussed Greek drama and Greek life ] from this, it simply... Generally, they represent in some than in the world of the chorus is made up of a tragedy... They express the appropriate kind of feeling whenever any important development or discovery takes place the... 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