This term we embark upon the study of Greek Drama. We are looking at two genres, Tragedy and Old or Attic Comedy. Our first text Sophocles Oedpius Tyrranus is one of the seminal plays in the canon. Euripides' Bacchae was written comparatively late in the career of the youngest of the 'Big Three' Greek playwrights. Our third text the Lysistrata of Aristophanes is one of the greatest works of the master of the Old Comic school.

On these pages you will find links to biographical information on each writer. You will also be able to gain access to background information on the structure and evolution of Tragedy and comedy. You will also find this terms tute papers, links to websites and a bibliography.

TUTE PAPERS

This term you must complete 3 tute papers.

They should each be approximately 600 words in length.

Paper one should be chosen from Tutes  1-4

Paper Two must be chosen from Tutes  5-8

Paper Three can be chosen from any of this terms tutorial topics.

TOPICS

1) The Bacchae is the embodiment of the fatalistic nature of the Greeks. Discuss.

2)'Greek playwrights arouse the emotions of the audience for the central characters, who bring suffering on themselves, and also for the characters who suffer as a consequence.' Discuss with reference to Euripides and the Bacchae.

3)' Pentheus should have known better.' To what extent do you agree/disagree with this statement.

4) 'Euripides has little respect or affection for the Gods.' Discuss.

5) 'In Greek plays, family relationships are strained, with little tenderness shown.' Discuss this with reference to one or two Greek plays.

6) Discuss how Aristophanes uses dramatic irony, visual humor, and clever wordplay to criticize aspects of society in one or two Greek plays.

7) How do Sophocles, Euripides or Aristophanes succeed in providing the reader with an insight into the universal aspects of human nature?

8)'Attic Comedy is solely about gaining laughs, it is Tragedy that focuses on the higher things.' Discuss.

9) "Do not kick against the goad" Discuss this statement in relation to the Oedipus of Sophocles.