The Chorus

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the Chorus in early Greek theater, in Sophocles' "Oedipus the King," and later in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The author discusses the reasons for a chorus in a play, how it bridges scenes, clarifies the plot for the audience, etc. The paper also looks at the use of the chorus in modern literature: in Warren Leight's play, "Side Man."

From the Paper:

"Approximately six hundred years before the birth of Christ, theater was born in ancient Greece. Usually based primarily on mythology, history, or a mixture of both, the plays produced in these early theaters are what are now known as the classic tragedies and comedies. Many of these plays were performed in open, outdoor spaces, and most of these arrangements allowed for only a limited number of actors to appear onstage simultaneously. The ancient Greeks of this era were highly innovative in both their ideas and the execution of these ideas; therefore they solved this problem of space by introducing to the theater what is known as the chorus."

More papers on The Chorus:

• Analytical Essay # 122077 : "The Chorus in "Antigone" and "Oedipus Rex"
• Essay # 53837 : "The Chorus in "Oedipus Rex"
• Analytical Essay # 52809 : "The Role of the Chorus in Greek Plays"

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