Module 4: Section 2

Vocabulary: Genre-specific Terms

There are many terms that are specific to a certain type of literary genre. One example of this comes from the tradition of Greek drama. In most of these plays, there is a central cast of primary and secondary characters. However, there is also a third type of character: a group of people, known as the chorus. In Greek drama, the chorus appears onstage as a group. There may also be a primary, named “spokesperson” of the chorus who speaks independently from the group. The chorus appears onstage throughout the play, frequently commenting on the events and main characters’ actions. The chorus helps the audience better understand the play’s context and background by providing additional information and their own commentary on the events as they unfold.

Have you participated in a choir, or been part of a chorus or choir class at school or in your community? If so, you may recognize the word chorus as the name for a group of people singing together. In Greek drama, the chorus would sing and dance in addition to speaking their lines. Once you understand that the word chorus is related to singing or dancing, you can make connections with other terms that share the root “chor,” and understand that words that share that root have a connection to song or dance as well.