Greek Tragedy Quiz

Part One: Multiple Choice

Choose the BEST answer from the options below.

1. A tragic flaw that normally leads to the downfall of a protagonist is known as a(n):
a. Hamartia
b. Hubris
c. Catharsis
d. Conflict

2. Greek Theaters were located in temples.

a. True
b. False

3. The orchestra is
a. a convention that all violence must happen off stage
b. helped actors to be seen and heard in the back rows
c. "the dancing place" where the chorus is positioned
d. the alleys through which the chorus enters

4. Greek Theaters...
a. Were all roofed
b. Had box offices
c. Were all outdoors
d. Had proscenium arches

5. All actors wore

a. heavy makeup
b. sandels
c. short robes
d. masks

6. The ______________ was a group of 15 and acted as one character.

a. actors
b. heroes
c. chorus
d. choir

7. The ________________ is the beginning of the play, before the action begins.
a. parodos
b. prologue
c. exodos
d. paean

8. The ____________ is a song that marks the entry of the chorus.

a. parodos
b. paean
c. ode
d. scene
 9. Which god were the Greeks worshipping at the festivals where the plays were performed?
a. Zeus
b. Athene
c. Dionysus
d. Poseidon

10. What is the correct structure for a Greek Tragedy?

a. Prologue, Parados, Dramatic Scenes (and Komos), Exodus
b. Prologue, Parados, Episodes, Epilogue
c. Prologue, Parados, Agon, Episodes, Conlcusion
d. Prologue, Rising Action, Climax, Conclusion

11. In a tragedy, the plot revealed what happened to a person who went against the laws of the ________.
a. Supreme Court
b. Land
c. Gods
d. Mortals

12. The play festival at the Festival of Dionysus was a competition.

a. True
b. False

13. Greek Theatre began primarily as ___________.

a. A Form of Entertainment
b. A Religious Ritual
c. A Teaching Tool
d. A Way to Exercise

14. How do actors show multiple characters?

a. Stand at different levels
b. Face different directions
c. Change their mask
d. Announce their new character name before speaking

15. The amphitheater was in the shape of a....

a. Square
b. Semi-circle
c. Circle
d. Wedge

Part Two: Short Answer

Answer the following questions in the space provided.

16. What is dramatic irony?

17. What are the 5 characteristics of a Tragic Hero?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
18. What event made Sophocles an instant start in the playwriting field?

19. Why did Zeus transform himself into a white bull?

20. In a Greek Tragedy, what is the Prologue?

21. What is the fall from Hubris?

22. In a Greek Tragedy, what are the Episodes?

23. What lesson is the Tragedy supposed to teach the audience?

24. In a Greek Tragedy, what are the Stasimons?

25. What is the concept of fate vs. destiny in a Greek Tragedy?

26. In a Greek Tragedy, what is the Parados?

27. How many Tragedies did Sophocles write?

28. In a Greek Tragedy, what is the Exodus?

29. What are the differences between Tragedies and Satyr plays?

30. Draw and label the parts of a Greek Theatre in the space below.
Part Three: Short Essay
Answer the following questions in short essay format (1-2 paragraphs).

31. One of the major themes in the Greek Tragedy is pride. What does it mean to be proud in the context of
this genre? Why is pride so often tragic? How is this perspective similar to or different from your own
sense of pride?

32. One of the most important aspects of a Tragedy is the hero. According to the ancient Greek philosopher
Aristotle, who first introduced literary analysis in Poetics, a tragic hero must "be born of high estate—that
is, a person of noble birth with strong.” Do you agree with this assessment, or do you think that a tragic
hero can be a common man as well? Explain your reasoning.

33. An important recurring theme in all Greek drama is that of free will vs. the will of the gods. The Greeks
believed that your fate was established, and that nothing you could do would prevent it. Do you agree
with this worldview, or do you think that humans can make their own future? Explain your reasoning.

34. Describe what you think a hero is today, and the difference from the Greek concept of a tragic hero.