Definition of Greek Tragedy:
- It is an imitation of an action (mimesis) that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude; in language established with each kind of artistic ornament; in form of action with narrative; with incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish its kartharsis of such emotions.
The 6 factors of a story:
1. Plot- arrangements of incidents, the way it is presented to the audiences in the film, not the story itself.
2. Character- second place in importance. The characters support the plot.
3. Thought- where something is proved to be or not to be. Or a general maxin is enunciated. When there is character growth.
4. Diction- expression of words which are proper and appropriate to the plot, character and the end of the tragedy.
5. Sound/melody- musical elements of the chorus.
6. Spectacle- special effects. Production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet. Least important.
The “Cause & Effect” chain:
4 types of causes: a. material cause (what something is made of)
b. Motive/ efficient cause
c. Formal cause
d. Final cause (realise formal cause)
Definition of cause: a chain effect where whatever happens in scene A leads to scene B.
How can a good plot create “Unity of Action”
⇒ No action/scene is to be a digression; nothing is left inside temporarily in speech and writing. Every word and action must contribute.
A Film’s Beginning, Middle and End
The beginning
- Start and cause the effect chain
The middle
- Climax
- Caused by earlier incidents
The end
- Resolution
- Caused by preceding events that cant lead to other incidents
- The end should resolve problems caused during incintive moments
The Episodic Plot
- The only thing tying together events in such a plot is the fact that they happen to that same person
Characters in a Tragedy
- must be rich and famous
- they support the plot
- personal motivation are connected to the cause-and-effect chain.
- not necessary bad, but are flawed in some particular way
The 3 Act Structure
1st act: set up (goal oriented character)
2nd act: confrontation (character must make a choice and action intensifies)
3rd act: resolution (level of effort raised to now height. Character can either achieve or not achieve his goal)
Important Vocab
1. katharis- purification of a motion
2. mimesis- look like real life, mimic
3. anagnorisis- ignorance to knowledge
4. perepeteia- turn/twist tragedy
5. hamartia- flaw
* The purpose of a theater in the past is for religious reasons. Now, things shown in theaters still portray certain set of believes, values and principles.
