Roman Tragedy and Comedy: A Comprehensive Guide for Theatre History and Theory

Question 1

Identify the characteristic that does NOT align with Roman tragedy:

Accepted Answer

A cheerful resolution

Answer

A heroic protagonist

Answer

Elevated language

Answer

Supernatural interventions

Question 2

Classify Seneca's 'Phaedra' according to its genre:

Accepted Answer

Classical tragedy

Answer

Restoration comedy

Answer

Elizabethan tragedy

Answer

Jacobean revenge play

Question 3

Identify the defining characteristic of Plautus' play 'The Menaechmi':

Accepted Answer

Mistaken identities

Answer

Political intrigue

Answer

Romantic entanglements

Answer

Supernatural occurrences

Question 4

In Aristotle's theory of tragedy, which concept occupies central importance?

Accepted Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Hubris

Answer

Divine retribution

Answer

Social critique

Question 5

How did the introduction of the 'fabula palliata' impact Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Enabled adaptations of Greek plays

Answer

Encouraged original Roman storytelling

Answer

Led to a decline in the popularity of comedy

Answer

Had no significant impact

Question 6

Identify the key difference in the resolutions of Roman tragedy and comedy:

Accepted Answer

Tragedy concludes with death or misfortune, while comedy ends with marriage or reconciliation.

Answer

Comedy concludes with death or misfortune, while tragedy ends with marriage or reconciliation.

Answer

Both tragedy and comedy typically end in tragedy.

Answer

There is no difference in the endings of Roman tragedy and comedy.

Question 7

Describe how the function of the chorus differs in Roman tragedy and comedy:

Accepted Answer

In tragedy, the chorus provides commentary, while in comedy it offers comic relief.

Answer

In comedy, the chorus provides commentary, while in tragedy it offers comic relief.

Answer

The chorus plays a similar role in both tragedy and comedy.

Answer

Roman theatre did not incorporate a chorus.

Question 8

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of Roman tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Catharsis through pity and fear

Answer

Overt and physical humor

Answer

Multiple and intricate subplots

Answer

Optimistic and uplifting tone

Question 9

Who is widely regarded as the master of Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Plautus

Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Seneca

Answer

Terrence

Question 10

Which theme is frequently explored in Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Love and marriage

Answer

Supernatural forces and otherworldly beings

Answer

Epic battles and heroic deeds

Answer

Political intrigue and social commentary

Question 11

How does deus ex machina commonly resolve conflicts in Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Through divine intervention

Answer

Through sudden changes in fortune

Answer

Through the reconciliation of characters

Answer

Through violent confrontations

Question 12

What primary function does the chorus serve in Roman tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Providing a collective voice that comments on the action

Answer

Serving as the central protagonist of the play

Answer

Providing humorous relief and entertainment

Answer

Delivering news and information to the audience

Question 13

How does character development in Roman comedy typically differ from that in Roman tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Characters tend to be more static and less complex

Answer

Characters undergo significant transformations and growth

Answer

Characters are more realistic and relatable

Question 14

Which significant influence played a major role in the development of Roman theatre?

Accepted Answer

Greek theatre

Answer

Egyptian theatre

Answer

Etruscan theatre

Question 15

How does the use of heightened language and rhetoric contribute to the impact of Roman tragedy?

Accepted Answer

It intensifies the emotional depth and grandeur of the play

Answer

It creates a comedic effect through witty wordplay and puns

Answer

It reflects the everyday speech patterns of the common people

Question 16

Identify a key characteristic of Roman tragedy.

Accepted Answer

Fatalistic tone and inevitable doom

Answer

Light-hearted and comedic dialogue

Answer

Happy and optimistic conclusion

Answer

Use of elaborate masks and costumes

Question 17

Who is widely regarded as the most influential playwright of Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Plautus

Answer

Seneca (Roman tragedy)

Answer

Sophocles (Greek tragedy)

Answer

Aristotle (Greek philosopher)

Question 18

Which element is typically not found in Roman comedy?

Accepted Answer

Explicit violence and gore

Answer

Mistaken identity and confusion

Answer

Romantic entanglements and love affairs

Answer

Slavery and social hierarchy

Question 19

What is the primary function of the chorus in Roman tragedy?

Accepted Answer

To provide commentary, reflect on events, and offer wisdom

Answer

To provide comic relief and lighten the mood

Answer

To sing and dance, adding spectacle to the performance

Answer

To drive the plot forward and reveal information

Question 20

Which theme is commonly explored in Plautus' comedies?

Accepted Answer

Wealth, greed, and the pursuit of material gain

Answer

Fate, destiny, and the power of the gods

Answer

Love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships

Answer

War, honor, and the glory of battle

Question 21

How did Roman tragedy and comedy influence the development of Western theatre?

Accepted Answer

They laid the foundation for dramatic structure, characterization, and theatrical conventions

Answer

They introduced elaborate costumes, sets, and special effects

Answer

They popularized new forms of music and dance in theatre

Question 22

How does the treatment of fate in Roman tragedy differ from its treatment in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

It is perceived as more predetermined, inescapable, and controlling

Answer

It is seen as a more positive and benevolent force

Answer

It is believed to be a direct result of human actions and choices

Answer

It is not a significant or central theme in Roman tragedy