Abstract
This paper discusses the role of ancient Greek drama in Greek society. The paper explains the stage styles, how actors performed and the main types of plays performed in ancient Greek theater. The author discusses tragedies, comedies and a special form of theater called "dithyramb," which was sung by a large chorus. The paper goes on to discuss the importance of the elements of prose, lyrics and dancing in the ancient Greek drama. The paper then goes on to discuss some of ancient Greece's foremost playwrights, as well as theories about the origins of drama.

From the Paper
"The word 'Drama' as such has originated from the Greek words that mean 'to do', or 'to act'. When a story is acted out, it becomes a 'play', and this was the medium used by the ancient Greeks to act out their stories, which were either humorous and were about funny situations in their everyday lives, or they would be great tragedies, which would act out some important episode or period of their lives at the time. The speech and actions of the play would therefore, recreate human lives and its flow. It can be stated that ancient Greece was in fact the real birthplace of the future 'drama' of the Western world. In Greece, these plays or dramas were presented on stage twice a year, in honor of the God Dionysius, and there would be choruses made up of men who would be dressed up in goatskins, and who were meant to represent 'satyrs' or those mythical creatures who were partly goat, and partly man."

Tags:Greek, theater, aristotle, sophocles, tragedy, comedy, masks

Abstract
This paper examines the historical evolution and maturation of tragedy in ancient Greece, and the characteristics of a tragic hero. The author focuses on one of the most famous Greek tragedies, Oedipus Rex, and greatly details the story of Oedipus and his tragic flaws. The paper also discusses all elements in an ancient Greek production, such as the prologue, chorus, and exodus.

From the Paper
"Oedipus Rex is a story of one man's pursuit for truth. Although Oedipus falls victim to obstacles he is unable to overcome, he encounters these obstacles along his journey to find the truth. In the view of Sophocles, the tragic hero must accept the responsibility for his actions, as does Oedipus in the final scene, regardless of his original motives and inability to control or understand the forces in which rule his life. The plot, Oedipus' search for truth, and the chorus are all contributing factors that make Oedipus Rex the greatest in the history of all Greek tragedies."

Tags:sophocles, aristotle, dithyramb, dionysus, chorus, jocasta, thebes, teiresias