Writing essays is part of the academic journey before a student can graduate. Essays come in different forms. Sometimes you can get a topic on the augmentative essay, expository, narrative, among others. What could happen if, as a student, you get essay prompts on the history of Ancient Greek Theatre? Well, this shouldn’t be a bother because your flow of ideas should revolve around ancient Greek theatre essay. This article explains how you can approach the topic and create catchy content to hook your reader.
What is an ancient Greek theatre?
The Ancient Greek Theatre dates back to the 6th century where Athens performed religious festivals in the form of plays. The idea then led to the birth of comedy, thus influencing the Roman and Hellenistic theatres that began practicing the same. That is a short explanation of the beginning of theatre ideas. So, as a student, you must be in a position to trace back the Ancient Greek Theatre history because this information will help you gather adequate points to support your augments.
What are the facts about ancient Greek Theatre?
Another point to guide you while writing prompts for your history of ancient Greek essay includes analyzing the facts revolving around the same idea. These facts will help you support all your findings when writing an essay. You can read most of the facts on the internet, in books, or talk to pioneers who understand the topic deeply. Below are some of the facts that can guide you through and hint at what to research.
- In the Greek Theatre, there were four buildings, namely Theatron, Skene, and Orchestra.
- The common masks used in drama plays were first used in Ancient Greek Theatre
- In Greek, comedy was divided into four sections.
- Women didn’t get equal chances to act in Ancient Greek Theatre
- No person was allowed to showcase death scenes on a stage in ancient Greek Theatre.
These are just part of the many facts you will get once you conduct extensive research. These facts will play a vital role in the content generation when writing the final paper.
Are there any interesting theatre history topics?
Another great way a student can write great prompts for the history of ancient Greek Theatre essays is by evaluating some of the existing topics. These topics can get you incredible ideas that will help you craft the best thesis statement and overall content. Read the books, journals, and other online materials. You will get plenty of interesting topics explaining the history of Theatre. Below are some of the topics you can consider:
- How did women regain their identity via Theatre?
- Discuss theater as an art form.
- How has technology adjusted the theatres from Ancient Greek?
- What does it take for a Successful Theatre Production?
- What are the Effects costumes in a theatre production?
- What is the history of the Theatre?
There are many other interesting topics you can consider when writing a theater paper. All you need is to do is read widely and gather enough ideas that will direct you on how to write essay prompts on the history of Ancient Greek Theatre.
What Prompted the beginning of Theatre?
Another ideal point that will guide you into creating Ancient Greek Theatre prompts is the evaluation of why the theaters came into being. Don’t confuse the history of Theatre and what prompted the theatres to exist. The ancient hymns known as dithyrambs which were sung to honor gods in Dionysus stimulated the formation of theatres. From the hymns, other performers started adapting different costumes and masks to perform entertainment activities. That is how the idea of forming a theatre was born. Tracing back such information is crucial as it gives you more details to create more content.
This is an essay sample on Ancient Greek Theatre.
Political Power in the Plays of Sophocles
Like most of the patriotic Athenians, Sophocles involved himself with both military and political affairs. From the play, it is easy to gather how Sophocles viewed politics. The Sophocles plays reflect underlying connections of politics in ancient Athens. Sophocles tries to pay attention to the importance of democracy instead of championing for dictatorship. The plays of Sophocles shed light on the idea that an individual should not be the only one ruling a country. Sophocles emphasizes the need to have two heads as opposed to one. As such, a dictator who wants to rule alone is just catering for their selfish interests. Furthermore, a democratic ruler will make decisions for the benefit of the citizens. This paper analyzes the discussion of political power in the plays of Sophocles.
In the analysis of Antigone, one observes that there are political overtones when Creon declares that there is no mourning whatsoever for Polynices, Antigone’s brother. At this point, Sophocles wants to show that there is more power rather than blood. He emphasizes that the people represent a true power. The notion of a curse in the city causes people to ask Creon to free Antigone to save them. Although Creon feels like he has the last say, he has no choice but to abide by the demands of the people. According to Robert (16), the decision to free Antigone confirms Sophocles’ view about how the city is above one person even if it is the king.
The conflict in Antigone revolves around the distinction between the law and justice. To understand the political stand of Sophocles, it is important to analyze the cause of conflict of interest. Creon accuses Polynices was accused of killing his brother Etocles as well as going against the state. As such, Creon the king denied him a proper burial according to the provision of the law. However, Antigone the sister to Polynices wants to act according to her principle and religious stand by giving Polynices a good send off. Burying her brother motivates Antigone even if it means costing her life. According to his political belief, Creon was right because Polynices had gone against the law (Sophocles 9). However, religion defies political correctness and instead advocates for moral obligation.
There is a complex rift between Antigone and Creon in regards to personal relationship and leadership. There seems to be an antagonizing relationship between Haemon and Creon. The fact that Creon feels powerful, he refuses to pay attention to the seer’s revelation about giving Polynices a proper burial. Consequently, the city is set to suffer because of Creon’s stubbornness to abide by the seer’s words (Sophocles 13). Creon emerges as a stiff tyrant who does not listen to the people yet, Oedipus did the same mistake. Finally, Creon has to make decisions that are in favor of the people rather that focusing on his pride.
In the play, Oedipus the king, Sophocles advocates for a rational ruling that sees the danger of religious passion to political life. In essence, Sophocles argues that divine law will supersede human law because human are not always right. Sophocles also explores the theme of personal freedom and obligations to show that democracy can work. While Creon Advocates for the total obedience of man-made laws, Sophocles stresses on the importance of higher laws of duty to one’s family and to the gods. Therefore, Sophocles believes that the state laws are not reliable because there can be a justification of civil obedience (Sophocles 21). In Sophocles, The Antigone, one pays attention to the interaction between religion and politics. In this case, the will of the humans often goes against the truths of the gods. Therefore, Sophocles stands for people acting from their individual will as opposed from tyrannical influence.
In Oedipus the King, Sophocles tries to show that the welfare of the state surpasses any one individual. Oedipus tries to demonstrate his fairness by stating that, ‘’But my spirit grieves for the city, for me and all of you to learn what I might do or say to save our city’’ (Sophocles 75-84). However, Oedipus fairness and greatness as a ruler do not stop him from revealing the identity of his past. Oedipus’s past makes him a plague to the city. As a result, he asks Creon to drive him from the city to save everyone else. Sophocles is trying to show that a great leader can make a selfless decision now based on the bad things he did in the past. Based on someone’s mistakes, it is safe if leadership does not center on one individual but the on the people’s say. When Antigone refused and went to bury her brother, she felt obliged to her divine power. As such, Sophocles is trying to demonstrate that even leaders can be in a position to abide by the divine law whenever the need arises.
Sophocles also demonstrates that being politically correct is also about being just. In Oedipus the Colonus, Thesus is able to save his city by keeping his promise to protect Oedipus. Once again, Sophocles emphasizes the need of a leader to consider the interests of the citizens. Additionally, this play also reflects on Sophocles showing that war is not always the answer (Sophocles 380). Sometimes in politics, democracy is less likely to brew war. According to Sophocles, a good political stand is one that promotes saving lives other than killing.
Throughout Antigone, demonstrates the distinction between politics and human law. According to Sophocles, no matter how powerful humans think they are, there will always be a connection with the law of the Gods. For instance, Creon in Antigone disobeys divine law only for him to suffer the death of his wife and son. However, this political stand is not a justification in the eyes of the gods. The repercussions were clear when he lost both his wife and son.
Sophocles sheds light on whether leadership should strive to govern the political society through the light of human reason, or through religious faith. An examination of the Oedipus the tyrant, Antigone and Oedipus at the Colonus reflects on Sophocles as a genuine philosophical thinker (Robert 56). Sophocles seems to oppose political rationalism that goes against religion and personal principles. While Sophocles Antigone has many interpretations, the main argument is that a sober and cautious political rationalism is important in making leadership decisions.
In conclusion, Sophocles in Antigone emphasizes the need of human beings to strike a balance between the need to obey the will of the gods and truths of men. By examining the plays, Sophocles is trying to share the importance of democracy. Ruling a country is a difficult task that requires both citizens and leaders to contribute. According to the plays, it is easy for an individual to make bad decisions based on their political stand. However, once one considers the goodness of the people, it does away with political tyranny. Conversely, the death of Antigone raises some questions. The significance of her death shows that obeying the law is equally important. Perhaps, Sophocles is trying to demonstrate that both divine and political powers are good. However, one should recognize where to strike a balance because both political and divine powers define human social existence. Moreover, a leader’s rule is dependent on the need to protect the people as opposed to self-interests.
Works Cited
Robert, F. The Three Theban Plays (Penguin Classics). hardcover. 2008.
Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus. Penguin Classics. PAPERBACK. Penguin Classics. 1984.
Sophocles. The Three Theban Plays. Penguin Classics. Literature/drama. Penguin publishers. 1984.
Conclusion
When you have a question on writing Prompts for Your History of Ancient Greek Theatre Essay, the approach is quite simple. Ensure you read widely to have a better understanding of the topic. Dig deep into more facts and information about what are the origins of Theatre back in the olden days.
