Tragedy in Greek Theatre: A Comprehensive Guide for Theatre History and Theory

Question 1

What is hubris, and how does it contribute to the tragic downfall of characters in Greek plays? Provide specific examples from at least two different plays to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

Excessive pride and ambition that leads to a character's tragic downfall

Answer

Divine punishment inflicted upon characters who violate moral codes

Answer

A characteristic found solely in the works of Sophocles

Answer

An insignificant concept in Greek tragedy

Question 2

Which feature is NOT distinctive to Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Humorous resolution

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Hubris

Answer

Deus ex machina

Question 3

Who is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Answer

Aristophanes

Question 4

Which Sophocles' play showcases a tragic hero facing consequences for his overconfidence?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus Rex

Answer

Antigone

Answer

Electra

Answer

Ajax

Question 5

In Greek tragedy, catharsis serves a dual purpose. Explain how it operates as both a narrative element and a psychological mechanism.

Accepted Answer

Catharsis allows the audience to experience and release strong emotions.

Answer

Catharsis is exclusively a narrative device that resolves the tragedy.

Answer

Catharsis has no effect on the audience's emotions.

Answer

Catharsis introduces comedic elements into the tragedy.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Happy ending

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Hubris

Answer

Comic relief

Question 7

Who is known as the 'Father of Tragedy'?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Answer

Aristophanes

Question 8

What is the central theme explored in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex?

Accepted Answer

Fate and free will

Answer

Love and loss

Answer

War and violence

Answer

Honour and betrayal

Question 9

Which of the following is a key structural element of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Chorus

Answer

Epistrophe

Answer

Flashback

Answer

Soliloquy

Question 10

What is the term for the reversal of fortune that often occurs in Greek tragedies?

Accepted Answer

Peripeteia

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Anagnorisis

Answer

Hubris

Question 11

Which of the following is a common tragic flaw in Greek heroes?

Accepted Answer

Hubris

Answer

Sloth

Answer

Cowardice

Question 12

What is the purpose of catharsis in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

To evoke pity and fear in the audience, leading to emotional release and purification.

Answer

To provide comic relief

Answer

To foreshadow future events

Question 13

What is the central conflict in Aeschylus's Agamemnon?

Accepted Answer

The tension between personal ambition and duty to the state

Answer

The conflict between faith and reason

Answer

The struggle between love and loyalty

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Optimistic resolution

Answer

Tragic flaw

Answer

Chorus

Answer

Catharsis

Question 15

Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of Tragedy' in Greek theatre?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Aristophanes

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Question 16

In which Sophoclean tragedy does the protagonist, Oedipus, unknowingly commit patricide and incest?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus Rex

Answer

Philoctetes

Answer

Antigone

Answer

Electra

Question 17

What primary function does the Chorus serve in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Provides commentary and reflection on the action.

Answer

Engages in direct interaction with the main characters.

Answer

Provides musical and dance interludes throughout the play.

Answer

Performs the majority of the plot's action.

Question 18

Which of the following themes is frequently explored in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

The conflict between fate and free will.

Answer

The pursuit of wealth and material possessions.

Answer

The triumph of good over evil.

Answer

The importance of education and knowledge.

Question 19

What is the significance of 'hubris' in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Excessive pride that leads to the downfall of tragic heroes.

Answer

Divine intervention or supernatural forces.

Answer

The inherent weakness and mortality of humans.

Question 20

Which Euripidean tragedy features a complex female protagonist who challenges societal norms and seeks revenge?

Accepted Answer

Medea

Answer

The Bacchae

Answer

Hecuba

Answer

Alcestis

Question 21

What is the purpose of 'anagnorisis' in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

The moment of recognition and revelation of hidden truths.

Answer

To resolve plot conflicts.

Answer

To create suspense and anticipation.

Answer

To provide comic relief.

Question 22

Which of the following best describes the 'hamartia' of a tragic hero?

Accepted Answer

A tragic flaw or error in judgment that contributes to their downfall.

Answer

A supernatural curse or intervention.

Answer

An act of heroism or self-sacrifice.

Answer

A moment of weakness or cowardice.

Question 23

How did Greek tragedy contribute to the development of Western theatre?

Accepted Answer

It established fundamental principles of dramatic structure and characterization.

Answer

It popularized the use of elaborate costumes and makeup.

Answer

It introduced elaborate stage technology and special effects.