Module 4: Section 4

Anchor Text: Elements of Greek Drama

In this section, you will be learning more about the history of Greek Drama and reading a representative work from the genre. If you have ever been in a play or seen a play performed onstage, you probably know a little about this blend of art and literature! Modern drama shares many elements in common with its historical predecessor, born in the country of Greece many centuries ago. Drama is just one art form that was mastered by the Greeks, who also made many advancements in the areas of politics, mathematics, art, and philosophy.

Drama, to the Greeks, began as a form of religious worship to the god Dionysus, who was a nature god of wine, enjoyment, fertility, orchards, and fruit (among other things). The audience would have been familiar with the plot of a Greek play. Please view the video here, “Introduction to Greek Theater,” before moving on with this section.