Dramatist of Greek Tragedy essays

Dramatist of Greek Tragedy essays There were many dramatists in the years of B.C. There were three of them that were known more than any other. Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles. These three guys are much alike but they also have their differences. The "Father of Tragedy," Aeschylus was born in 525 B.C. in the city of Eleusis. When Aeschylus first began writing, the theater had only just begun to evolve. Plays were little more than animated oratorios or choral poetry supplemented with expressive dance. A chorus danced and exchanged dialogue with a single actor who portrayed one or more characters primarily by the use of masks. (Aeschylus Moon struck bookstore imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc3.htm). Most of the action took place in the circular dancing area or "orchestra" which still remained from the old days when drama had been nothing more than a circular dance around a sacred object. (Aeschylus Moon struck bookstore imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc3.htm). It was a huge leap for drama when Aeschylus introduced the second actor. He also attempted to involve the chorus directly in the action of the play. Aeschylus directed many of his own productions, and according to ancient critics, he is said to have brought the Furies onstage in so realistic a manner that women miscarried in the audience. (Aeschylus Moon struck bookstore imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc3.htm). Although Aeschylus is said to have written over ninety plays, only seven have survived. His life laid the groundwork the dramatic arts would need to flourish, and by the time of his death, there were two notable successors ready to take his placeSophocles and Euripides. In addition, Aeschylus left behind two sons who would carry on his dramatic legacy, and one of them, Euphorion, would even claim first prize at the City Dionysia, defeating both Sophocles and Euripides in 431 BC.(Aeschylus Moon struck bookstor...