Ancient Greek Theatre: Origins, Playwrights, and Legacy

Question 1

Which city is considered the birthplace of Greek theatre?

Accepted Answer

Athens

Answer

Sparta

Answer

Thebes

Answer

Epidaurus

Question 2

Which Greek theatre mask is associated with the portrayal of tragic characters?

Accepted Answer

Melpomene

Answer

Thalia

Answer

Dionysus

Answer

Hermes

Question 3

Which dramatic device is a characteristic feature of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Deus ex machina

Answer

Soliloquy

Answer

Aside

Answer

Monomyth

Question 4

Which of the following Greek playwrights is known for their use of comedic satire?

Accepted Answer

Aristophanes

Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Question 5

Which Greek philosopher theorized the concept of catharsis in relation to drama?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle

Answer

Plato

Answer

Socrates

Answer

Pythagoras

Question 6

How is the idea of hubris significant in Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

It highlights the consequences of excessive pride and arrogance

Answer

It emphasizes the power and dominance of the gods

Answer

It suggests that suffering is predetermined by fate

Answer

It promotes the values of humility and restraint

Question 7

The playwright known for exploring human suffering and the nature of justice is:

Accepted Answer

Euripides

Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Aristophanes

Question 8

The use of 'deus ex machina' in Ancient Greek plays refers to:

Accepted Answer

A god or goddess appearing to resolve a problem

Answer

A chorus member stepping out of character

Answer

A character using a machine to fly

Answer

The playwright addressing the audience directly

Question 9

How did the sloping structure of the Theatre of Dionysus contribute to the audience's viewing experience?

Accepted Answer

It provided all spectators with a clear view of the stage.

Answer

It amplified the performers' voices, ensuring they could be heard throughout the theatre.

Answer

It allowed for a larger audience capacity.

Answer

It prevented the spread of contagious diseases among the audience members.

Question 10

Which playwright is widely regarded as the 'Father of Tragedy' in Ancient Greek literature?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Answer

Aristophanes

Question 11

Which of the following festivals is directly associated with the origins and celebration of Ancient Greek Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Athenian Festival

Answer

Olympic Games

Answer

Panathenaia

Answer

Eleusinian Mysteries

Question 12

In which of Sophocles' plays does the character of Oedipus play a central role?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus Rex

Answer

Antigone

Answer

Electra

Answer

Philoctetes

Question 13

In Ancient Greek tragedy, how did dialogue and choral odes complement each other to shape the dramatic experience?

Accepted Answer

Dialogue advanced the plot, while choral odes provided emotional depth and insights into themes.

Answer

Choral odes were the primary means of plot advancement, with dialogue serving as additional commentary.

Answer

Dialogue and choral odes had equal importance in both plot development and emotional impact.

Question 14

Evaluate the dramatic function and potential drawbacks of the 'deus ex machina' in Greek tragedy. Discuss how it reflects the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient Greece.

Accepted Answer

Resolved complex plots conveniently, often through divine intervention.

Accepted Answer

Reduced dramatic tension by introducing an external force that undermined character agency.

Answer

Represented the democratic values of ancient Greece, where divine intervention reflected popular will.

Question 15

Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of Tragedy'?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

Sophocles

Answer

Euripides

Answer

Aristophanes

Question 16

In Ancient Greek theatre, which element enabled actors to represent multiple characters?

Accepted Answer

Masks

Answer

Costumes

Answer

Deus ex machina

Answer

Chorus

Question 17

What was the primary function of the chorus in Greek theatre?

Accepted Answer

Provide commentary and context

Answer

Solely act as messengers

Answer

Exclusively perform music and dance

Answer

Offer exclusively comic relief

Question 18

Which of the following profoundly influenced the development of Roman theatre?

Accepted Answer

Ancient Greek theatre

Answer

Renaissance theatre

Answer

Medieval mystery plays

Answer

Modernist theatre

Question 19

Which type of theatre building was predominantly used in Ancient Greece?

Accepted Answer

Amphitheatre

Answer

Proscenium theatre

Answer

Black box theatre

Answer

Theatre-in-the-round

Question 20

Which play by Sophocles delves into the concepts of fate and personal choice?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus Rex

Answer

Oedipus at Colonus

Answer

Philoctetes

Answer

Electra

Question 21

In Greek mythology, which deity was closely associated with theatre and performance?

Accepted Answer

Dionysus

Answer

Apollo

Answer

Zeus

Answer

Poseidon

Question 22

Which element was typically NOT employed in the staging of Greek plays?

Accepted Answer

Artificial lighting

Answer

Painted scenery

Answer

Elaborate costumes

Question 23

What was the primary purpose of using a deus ex machina in Greek theatre?

Accepted Answer

Provide a divine intervention or resolve a plot complication

Answer

Introduce a new character or subplot

Answer

Create a comedic moment or break tension