Greek Drama Questions

1.       What kind of prize is given for dancing choruses of worshippers?

Bulls or goats were given as prizes for the dancing choruses of worshipers.

2.       How many spectators would gather in the open-air theatre of Dionysos?

As many as 14,000 thousand spectators would gather.

3.       How does the mask affect the voices of the actors?

The masks had exaggerated mouthpieces which amplified the actors’ voices.

4.       Why was Antigone suspenseful to viewing audiences?

Since the audiences already knew how the story ended their suspense came from knowing the

impending doom of the characters on stage.

5.       How is the shepherd to leave the infant on the mountainside?

He was to leave the infant to die on a lonely mountainside with his ankles pinned together.

6.       What is the riddle the Sphinx gave to Oedipus?

“What creature goes on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?”

7.       Who are Oedipus’ kids?

Oedipus’ children are Polyneices, Eteocles, Antigone and Ismene.

8.       After Oedipus is exiled, who takes over Thebes?

Antigone’s two brothers agreed to rule in alternate years.

9.       What did the family do to the dead body?

The family closes the dead person’s eyes and mouth and began to prepare the body for the prothesis, the wake. The women of the house washed the body and dress it in white. Then they placed the body on a bier, a portable framework, making sure the feet pointed toward the door, and sprinkled the body with herbs which were believed to keep evil spirits away. At the prosthesis, while the women waited near the body, the men entered formally, with their right arms raised high in the air. When the closest relative held the dead person’s head with both hands, the other mourners began to beat their faces and tear their hair. They also wailed and sang.