Dramatic Lit Midterm
Tragedy Etymology
"Goat Song", likely due to goat sacrfices
Who was Lope Felix de Vega Carpio, what was his family and educational background, how many plays did he claim to write, how many did he actually write, how many have survived, and what famous Naval battle was he a small part of?
-1st pillar of Spanish drama -Spanish poet/dramatist -Claimed to have written over 1800 plays, although probably closer to 800. 331 have survived, with an additional 200 extant plays being attributed to him -Was part of a famous naval battle, the Battle of Ponta Delgad
What are Auto Sacramentales, what other European Dramatic Literature that we've discussed are they similar to, why were they supported by the church in Spain?
-Auto Sacramentales (acts of the sacraments) -Allegorical religious plays supported by the church and crown to educate the peasants in the cities, towns, and countryside on the bible and Christian values -Carros - the highly ornate wagons they used
Who was Pedro Calderón de la Barca, what was his family and educational background, how many plays did he write, what other professions did he have besides playwriting, and did he know Lope de Vega?
-Born into an aristocratic family -Educated at the Jesuit Colegio Imperial in Madrid and studied law at the University of Salamanca -Wrote 120 secular plays and 80 one-act autos -He was also a soldier, appointed court poet, director of the court theater, a knight of the Order of Santiago, a chaplain of the Brotherhood of San Pedro, and King Philip IV's holy almoner -Not sure if he know Lope, but Lope knew of him and Pedro was inspired by Lope's work
What were the Miracle Plays, what festivals did they originate from, what religious leader created these festivals, why was he motivated to support these performances and what was they plot/story central to these types of plays?
-Called this because of their religious sources -Celebrated on the Thursday following Trinity Sunday -In 1311, made an official church holiday, by 1350 commonly performed everywhere -Focused on the Passion and other Sacraments
Who was Hrosvitha, what is the importance of this individual in Theatre History, and why do you think it is or isn't important to know of this person and their contribution to dramatic literature?
-Canoness at the monastery of Gandersheim in Northern Germany -She wrote six plays modeled from the comedies of Terrence 1st known female dramatist -1st identifiable Western dramatist of the postclassical era -Provides us with the oldest extant "feminist" perspective in drama ¡Issues: -Though published in 1501, many were never performed and are typically considered "closet plays"
What were the Mystery Plays, what four-cycle texts still exist from the British Isles, why are these significant to the development of vernacular drama?
-Festivals were an enormous success, Created a cycle of plays (or playlets) -Communities competed to outdo one another -Cycles also allowed these festivals to be spaced to not overlap and offer competition -Peak of medieval theatre: 1375-1575 (arbitrary demarcation) -Earliest English cycle plays date back to 1375 -These are also referred to as Craft Plays or Mystery Plays -Only four cycle texts survive from the British Isles -York (48 plays) -Chester (24 plays) -Wakefield (32 plays) [sometimes called Towneley Plays] -N_town plays (42 plays) [Name is Unknown] -Made up of 3 distinguishable groups that could have been performed as a single cycle -Numerous examples exist from France, Germany, and Switzerland -Italy developed laudi -Spain created the autos sacramentales -All these dramas were created to educate, first, then entertain -However many of these liturgical dramas, began to include the same comic types and characters found in the jongleur performance traditions
Why was religious drama eventually banned in many European countries, name these countries and when the bans on religious theatre occurred and what was the only European that continued to perform religious dramas until 1765 and why?
-Netherlands ban Religious Dramas in 1539 -Papal States in 1547 -Paris in 1548 -Some areas of Germany kept them until the 17th century -Only Spain continued to perform religious dramas until 1765 - Queen Elizabeth I banned all religious plays in England in 1558 and by the 1580s all cycle plays have ceased (the plays were Catholic, usually, and she was a Protestant)
Who was Miguel Cervantes, what is he best known for writing, and why was he considered a failure as a playwright by Lope de Vega?
-Rival to Lope de Vega, but he wrote in an antiquated style influenced by the Romans -Don Quixote -His plays were mostly flops and resigned to printing, by Cervantes himself after he could not find an Actor-Manager to produce his plays
What were the Morality Plays, what was they plot/story central to these types of plays, what specific English plays are representative of this type of play, why is this significant to the development of English Secular Drama?
-Secular Drama -In place of religious drama, allegorical drama is established -Was meant to teach a moral message -no religious literature -Flourished between 1400-1550 -mostly an English and French form -Important Plays: The Pride of Life (1350) - oldest extant morality play Everyman (1510) - the most important English morality play
What are "Quartos" in terms of published texts of the Elizabethan printing house, how many of Shakespeare's plays were published in this format, what are "pirated quartos" and what is the story behind the Bad Quarto of Hamlet?
-Small booklets of memory-constructed plays -Pirated Copy--Some argue that minor actors or audience pirates would memorize a play and then write it down to sell for profit to a printing house. -18 plays were published in this format -The Bad Quarto of Hamlet refers to a small number of early quartos that are not quite right. The dialogue is different, and some of the scenes are in different places. (Katie Williams)
What are the importance and significance of mansions and platea in the production and performance of Liturgical Drama, and did they have a function/role outside of the Monastery?
-Small scenic structures called mansions, sedes, loci, or domi - Performance space called platea, playne, or place - importance??
Who was Lope de Rueda, why is he important to Spanish Theatre, what was the influence for his plays, and when did he live and work in the Spanish Theatre?
-The father of Spanish Theatre -autores de comedias (authors of plays) -Became well known in the mid-16th century -In 1551 he was summoned to Valladolid to perform for the King and was employed there from 1552-1558 -First well known Spanish Playwright -Modeled after the Roman plays with four acts -Lived/worked in the sixteenth century (?) Questions: influence?
How many plays did Sophocles write, and how many have survived?
120, but 7 survived
When was A Midsummer Night's Dream written and do we know if it was popular in its day
1596; was popular
When was The Tempest written, where do we believe it was first performed and do we know if it was popular in its day?
1611; first performed for King James I; not popular in its day
How many people originally performed a tragedy?
3 actors, and around 12-15 chorus members.
What would an ancient Greek performance look like; please describe actors, staging, costumes, and special effects?
3 all-male actors, multiple masks, simple staging (audience, orchestra, skene), costumes, deus ex machina
When was Lysistrata written, what historical events was it referencing and do we know if it was popular in its day?
411 BCE; Peloponnesian War; likely popular, not really sure
What year, place, and single figure do we attribute to the birth of Theatre?
534 BCE, in the City of Dionysia, Thespis
How many plays did Euripides write, and how many have survived?
92, 80 survived
What do you think was the purpose of the Masque in Act IV, does it remind you of any elements we discussed in Greek drama, and does it achieve its desired effect as far as you are concerned?
??
What is dramatic illusion?
An imitation of an action (drawn from potential of imagined experience)
What was the Quem-Quaeritis, when was it first performed and why is this important in the development of Medieval Theatre?
An introductory portion of the Easter liturgy is Quem-Quaeritis (Whom do you Seek -or- Whom Seek Ye?), from 925 CE; ushered in theater to the church
Where is the play set, what does this particular setting symbolize and why do you think Shakespeare, a 16th and 17th Century Englishman, chose this setting for the comedy?
Ancient Greece; give some bullcrappery here
To whom and when did Shakespeare marry, how many children did they have, and what are some of the theories as to how he earned a living during these early years?
Anne Hathaway, 3 children, possibly a tutor for a noble
Which Greek gods and goddesses are mentioned in Oedipus Rex?
Aphrodite, Hecate, Athena, Pluto, Poseidon, Ares, Apollo, Pan, Dionysis, Athena, Zeus, and Hermes.
Why is Sophocles so well-known centuries after he lived, and who was his biggest fan?
Aristotle was his biggest fan; he is well-known in part due to this, but he was very successful.
How would you briefly describe the Peloponnesian War and its influence on Ancient Greek Culture and Art?
Athens vs other city-states, specifically Sparta.
What is the Hellenistic period, who is it famously attributed to, and why is this era important to Theatre History?
Before or just after the death of Alexander the Great, when Greek culture was at its height and limited in outer influence; Greek theater presents New Comedy
In the Middle Ages, define the purpose and function of monasteries, what did they offer in terms of art, culture and preservation, and why specifically are they significant to all that attend any contemporary institute of higher education?
Beginning in the Feudal period, Monasteries become the sanctuary for knowledge and learning Dedicated populace intent on preserving ancient texts for future scholars The early foundations of academia and higher education
Who was Lucius Annaeus Seneca and what was his influence on Theatre and Theatre History?
Born in Spain, educated in Rome, wrote on rhetoric and philosophy Tutored Nero 9 of his plays survive All are adapted from the Greeks His plays become the model for the Early Modern dramatists 5 episodes, later turned into 5 acts Use of soliloquies, asides, and confidantes elaborate speeches generalizations on the human condition to reinforce his moral points preoccupation with magic, death, and the supernatural characters dominated by single obsessive passions depicts the evils of unrestrained emotions
What was Atellan Farce, who were the major stock characters and what influence do you think this had on comedy and theatre?
Bucco - The Braggart Pappus - The Comic Old Man Maccus - The Gluttonous Fool Dossenus - Grotesque Hunchback
Because of one specific character, The Tempest is very important to Theatre historians and Post-Colonial theorists. Why do you think this is, which specific character am I referring to, and what specific information does this character offer Theatre & Literary scholars?
Caliban
How would you define the term Comedias as it specifically relates to Spanish Dramatic Literature, what types of comedias existed, who is credited with developing this Spanish form, and how does it differ from the rest of European Theatre we've read and discussed?
Comedia means comedy which is a type of dramatic literature. These plays consisted of noblemen and how they would "save the day." Lope De Vega is credited for adapting these plays. I think that they do differ from other text that we read because these plays convey the strong message of defending your honor. (Tony Gonzalez) According to our textbook, Lope De Vega is credited as the developer of comedias which were known as short secular drama or comedy pieces. I believe that the comedias are different than other European theater because everyone was involved with the theatre including the church, government, and public. Both religious and secular theatre thrived alongside one another during this time which I thought was uniquely interesting! Theatre was appreciated and praised during the Golden Age as it produced plays that addressed political and philosophical questionings in Spain. (Anna Schrimsher)
Who does the chorus in Medea represent and explain how this is different from the chorus in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex?
Corinth women; supports Medea rather than give background knowledge
What is drama, and what are its primary ingredients?
Drama, according to Aristotle, is "the imitation of an action (mimesis)" (1); it is a representation of an event or series of events, whether real or made up, that is carried out in physical performance through actors. The primary ingredients of Drama are "the plot...the characters", the "actions" of actors, "thought...revealed in dialogue and behavior", "spectacle", and the audience and their responses (1).
In 330 CE, the Roman Empire divided into two parts, what were these two parts, who were the emperors of each part, what were the capital cities, and what did this division mean for the Christian Religion/Church?
Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) and Western Roman Empire Byzantine: Constantine I, Constantinople Western: Theodosius I, Mediolanum The split of the Roman Empire led to a new branch of Christianity in the Byzantine Empire. These Christians became Eastern Orthodox rather than Catholic. (Katie Williams)
What is the Siglo de Oro, what years did this take place in Spanish History, what event in 1492 led to the Siglo de Oro, and what famous royal couple is associated with this event?
Golden Age (of Spanish Theater and Art); 1492-1659; --Reconquista: the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile united with the wedding of Ferdinand and Isabella. --By 1492 their armies reunify the peninsula, with the exception of Portugal
Who was Epicharmus and what did Aristotle credit him with developing/creating?
Greek poet and playwright; comedy
Who was Aristophanes, how many plays did Aristophanes write, how many have survived and was he well received by his fellow Athenians in his lifetime?
Greek, Father of Old Comedy, wrote Lysistrata, thought to write about 40 plays, only 11 survived; He was well-received
What mythological figure does the story of Medea center on, explain this story in your own interpretation, and why do you think this is important to theatre historians?
Helios is Medea's grandfather, focuses on her, etcetera. Important because the play has a female lead.
How did the Roman Republic begin, and briefly describe the early development of Theatre in Roman culture?
In 509 BCE, a group of noblemen overthrew the monarchy. The monarchy was replaced with two elected consuls. During the Roman Republic, theatre began being performed at festivals. The Romans took a lot of their theatre style from the Greeks, and theatre was one of the ways Romans worshipped their gods.(Katie Williams)
How would you describe the plot structure of Oedipus Rex?
Linear
What is Arte Nuevo de hacer comedias en este tiempo (The New Art of Writing Plays in our Time), who wrote it, why is it important for Spanish Theatre and based on your limited knowledge of this piece do you agree with the sentiment of its author?
Lope Felix de Vega Carpio Lope Félix de Vega Carpio wrote Arte Nuevo de hacer comedias en este tiempo. ... In El arte nuevo de hacer comedias en este tiempo he firmly rejected classical and neoclassical "rules", and created a blend of comedy and tragedy. This made public opinion the judge of taste and popularity, rather than tradition, which is why it is important. I agree with him on that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and people like different things. (Katelyn Shea)
In 1594, a young William Shakespeare purchased a share into what successful Theatre company, who else were members of this company, who was the noble patron, and where did they perform?
Lord Chamberlain's men; Richard Burbage, Lawrence Fletcher, Robert Armin, John Heminges, and Richard Cowley. The noble patron of the group was Henry Carey, and the group performed in London at multiple performance places such as the Theatre and, later, the Globe. (Kara Kelsey)
What were the major Medieval Guilds, how did they develop in European society, and what was their significance to Theatre History?
Major Guilds: Bakers, Brewers, Goldsmiths, Blacksmiths, Tailors, Fishermen, Masons, Pastry Makers, Wheelmakers, Glassmakers, Candlemakers, Needle and Thimble makers; History: Further theater's reach and ability. Encouraged a middle class where some were able to study and perform theater.
When was Medea written and do we know if it was popular in its day?
Medea was written in 431 BCE, but the play wasn't popular for numerous reasons, and we know it wasn't popular because it placed last in the contest between three playwrights. Additional context suggesting that the play wasn't popular was that Euripides was also not especially popular with those in power, likely because he "criticized Athenian politics and society" in his plays (Jacobus 129). Further, Medea was an odd main character for the times, and Athenian men would have "considered" her "to be inferior to aristocratic Greek men" (129). (Kara Kelsey)
What is New Comedy, what playwrights are associated with this term, and what differentiates it from Old Comedy?
New Comedy was a form of drama emerging in about 300-320 BCE. Some playwrights associated with this movement are Diphilus, Menander, and Philemon. New Comedy is different from Old Comedy in that it's more central to the idea of having stories depicting everyday life and events--this would make New Comedy more relatable to the audience than Old Comedy. Old Comedy relied heavily on making fun of political figures and the gods--it was more of a humorous political commentary than New Comedy was. (Kara Kelsey)
Sophocles
Oedipus Rex, Greek Tragedian, added more actors, was very successful
Who were Plautus and Terence and describe their writing style and influences?
Plautus is considered one of Rome's most famous playwrights. One of the two pillars of Roman theatre. Comedic playwright, known for farce, adapted plays from Greeks (mainly Menander), skilled adaptor Terence: Considered the first major African Playwright Brought to Rome as a Slave boy Educated then freed All six of his plays survived Language is everyday Conversations Set in Streets and Outdoors Known for Complex Plots Adapted from Greeks and then "Mashed-Up" Used Character and Double-Plots to contrast Human Behavior
What are the 6 elements of drama?
Plot, character, thought, diction, music/song, & spectacle
What is the basic plot structure of Old Greek Comedy?
Prologos: Introductory scene Parados: Entry of chorus Agon: Argument or Debate over the merits of an idea leads to a scheme being settled upon by the protagonist Parabasis: Choral Ode divided into 2 sections that directly addresses the audience Some Social or Political Problem is discussed Used to praise the author to plead for the audience's favor Second Section of Play series of loosely connected scenes Episodeion Stasimon Komos: Final choral song that concludes with the reconciliation of all characters with their final exit to a feast or revel
Who was Lysistrata, what is the meaning of her name, and explain this story in your own interpretation
Protagonist of Lysistrata; her name means "disband the war"; explain....
This play deals with three separate story lines within the action and setting of the play. What are these different story lines, which characters are associated with each plot line, and what do you think Shakespeare trying to say/communicate to his audience with these separate threads?
Research this!
Why is Aristophanes so well-known centuries after he lived and what later culture was his biggest fan?
Roman culture was his biggest fan; He was so well-known because of his wit, and his questioning of the social norms
What were the other dramatic festivals of ancient Greece and briefly describe them?
Rural Dionysia in December, the Lenaia in January, the Anthesteria in February, and the City Dionysia in March" (31). Each of these dramatic festivals, aside from the one in February, had drama competitions. It is believed that these festivals were celebrations of fertility or ritual attempts "to guarantee fertility and the growth of the crops
What was the result of the fall of the Roman Empire in terms of Western European culture and society, and when did the dust settle and some semblance of stability return to Europe?
Small kingdoms and fiefdoms form around serfs swearing fealty to a noble In the In the 8th Century, Europe returned to stability -Charles Martel defeated the Muslims at Tours in 732 CE -King Charlemagne crowned by the Pope in 800 CE -The crowing of Charlemagne placed the church in a position of spiritual leadership over the nobles of Europe GOD - Church - Nobility - Peasants
Who were the major Tragedians of Ancient Greece and why do we know of their existence and dramatic literature?
Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides; they were very popular. Oedipus Rex, Lysistrata, Medea/The Bacchae
When and where was William Shakespeare born and what information do we have about his family (father, mother, and siblings), childhood, and education?
Stratford, 1564. Father was a glove-maker; had an education, likely at a Stratford grammar school
What are the Corral de la Cruz and the Corral del Principe, do they still exist today, did women perform on stage in Spain, were they popular, were Spanish comedias performed in the Americas, and why do you think we rarely discuss Spanish theatre in our schools and universities?
The Coral de la Cruz and the Corral del Principe were the first permanent theaters in Madrid, Spain. The Coral de la Cruz was demolished, but the Corral del Principe remains, although it's structure has changed due to its near destruction in a fire. Women did perform on stage in Spain and were popular, however, they were seen as promiscuous and immoral. There were some comedias performed in the Americas, but they were more popular in Spain. I think we rarely discuss Spanish theatre in our schools and universities because many instructors fail to recognize Spanish playwrights and authors: Americans are often focused on American or British writers, meaning many individuals who are not of Anglo-Saxon descent are overlooked. (Kara Kelsey) Spanish Drama in Americas: Spain was the first to bring theatre to the New World Earliest known European play performed in a seminary in Puerto Rico Mexico City established a prize for the best new play in the Corpus Christi festival in 1565 By 1574, Mexican born (but of all purposes Spanish) playwrights began to write and produce their own works
What is the "First Folio of 1623", who compiled/published it, and why is it significant to Theatre and Dramatic Literature?
The First Folio of 1623 was compiled by Shakespeare's peers Henry Condell and John Heminge (https://www.folger.edu/shakespeare/first-folio). The First Folio is of key importance to Theatre and Dramatic Literature because without the efforts of Condell and Heminge, "18 plays might have been lost forever" (https://www.folger.edu/shakespeare/first-folio). (Kara Kelsey)
Who does the chorus in Lysistrata represent and explain how this is different from the chorus in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and in Euripides' Medea?
The chorus in Lysistrata is split into men and women and are part of the comedy. They reveal the dependency between domestic and political lives. Compare that to the Women of Corinth, a sympathetic chorus, and the Old Men in Oedipus Rex and you find the job of the chorus in Lysistrata (to move the story along) is a lot subtler and more woven in. That, and the difference in genre of play, obviously. (Katelyn Shea)
What happened to the First Globe theatre, what property did Shakespeare then purchase in the hopes of moving indoors, describe this structure, and what happened to both of these theatres?
The first Globe burned down, and Shakes purchased Second Blackfriars... •1596-1655 •Indoor Theatre in London proper Structure? Search. What happened? Search. ...According to my research, Shakespeare purchased a share in the Blackfriars indoor playhouse where his company performed during the winter and at the Globe during the summer. Its' stage and seating capacities were much smaller than the Globe, and the building was lit by candlelight. The Blackfriars closed at the start of the English Civil War. (Anna Schrimsher)
Describe the events and experiences of attending the City Dionysia outside of Ancient Athens.
The plays; dithyrambs, 3 tragedies, a satyr play
What is the City Dionysia and why is it important for Theatre Historians?
Theatre emerged in the City of Dionysia during the Festivals of Dionysus (Bacchus) through dithyrambs.
What mythological (or historical) figures does the story of A Midsummer Night's Dream center on, explain these characters in your own interpretation, and why do you think Shakespeare chose them as his characters?
Theseus and Hippolyta (mythological features), characters etc; characters were not political but were mythologically based
What were the Ancient Greek Mimes, where did they originate from and how would you describe their performance techniques?
They were street performers (acting out domestic things) that originated in the city of Megara, in the Dorian Colony; popular entertainment, over the top, street performance (speaking, juggling, pantomiming, etcetera)
What are the different genres for Dramatic Literature?
Tragedy, Comedy, melodrama, and tragicomedy.
What is a Jongleur and why is this performance artist important to theatre and theatre history?
Traveling performers; juggling, acrobats, etcetera. Keep moving and you won't get arrested Plus there are always new audiences then
Who was the Theatrical character of Don Juan, what play did he first appear in, what playwright is credited with his creation, and describe in your opinion why this character was so important and remains so even today?
Who was: womanizer, seducer, manipulator Playwright: Tirso de Molina What Play: El Burlador de Seville - created the Spanish outlaw hero, Don Juan Why is he important and remains so? - Character archetype
What does the term Deus-ex-Machina mean, and how is it used by Euripides at the end of Medea?
god from/in the machine; used to lift Medea to her escape via chariot and dragons
Who were the Artists of Dionysus and what was their significance?
traveling actors/artists; brought/showcased theater across Greece.
When did Shakespeare's company move to the other side of the Thames River, what is the mythology/story behind this move, and what was the new theatre they built, describe this structure?
•Christmas, 1598 •In 1598 they lost the lease and in the dark of night on Christmas, Shakespeare, Will Kemp, and Richard Burbage moved the building, piece by piece, off the land to the new site of the Globe -The Globe was a round structure, and the stage was a thrust, the audience surrounding the stage on three sides. The area in front of the stage was the ground, where "groundlings" stood to watch the play. Seats built into the walls were available for wealthier or paying audience members.
We consider the years 1585-1592 to be "Blank Years", what are some of the theories behind what Shakespeare did during this period before emerging onto the Theatre scene of London in the late 16th Century?
•Lost Years between 1585-1592 •Theories are that he either had a relatively quiet family life in Stratford •Other theories suggest that he may have joined a tour of London players
What is the story behind the Shakespeare "Coat-Of-Arms"?
•Purchased a "Coat-of-Arms" •Awarded the coat in 1596
What was the rival Theatre company to Shakespeare's company, who owned them, who was their lead actor, did they have a rival playwright, where was their theatre located, and did Shakespeare ever mention it in a play?
•The Lord Admiral's Men •Becomes the Queen's Men in 1603 •Owned by Philip Henslowe *Main actor was Edward Alleyn •The Rose Theatre -Thomas Dekker, Thomas Middleton, wrote for the LA Men. Or, Marlowe, maybe? Double-check "A Rose by any other name is just as sweet" (sewage issue??)
