Chorus

Definition

A chorus is a group of performers in ancient Greek and Roman theater that provides commentary on the action of the play through song, dance, and recitation. The chorus serves several important functions, such as offering insights into characters' emotions, reflecting societal values, and enhancing the overall theatrical experience. It acts as a bridge between the audience and the performers, often expressing the collective voice of the community or representing a moral perspective.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Greek tragedy, the chorus typically consisted of 12 to 15 members who would perform in unison, providing a narrative commentary on the unfolding drama.
2. The chorus played a vital role in shaping audience perceptions and reactions to the events of the play by highlighting moral lessons and societal norms.
3. Choruses in Roman drama were influenced by Greek traditions but often featured more elaborate staging and greater emphasis on spectacle.
4. The use of choruses began to decline in later periods of theater, particularly during the transition to more modern forms of drama where individual characters took center stage.
5. The chorus's songs and movements often served to enhance emotional moments in the play, creating a richer experience for the audience.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus contribute to character development and thematic expression in Greek tragedy?
  • The chorus plays a crucial role in character development by providing insights into their emotions and motivations, often reflecting on their actions and decisions. By articulating feelings and moral dilemmas through song and recitation, the chorus deepens the audience's understanding of individual characters. Thematically, the chorus helps convey larger societal values and conflicts, emphasizing key messages that resonate throughout the play.
• What are some differences between the roles of choruses in Greek tragedies and Roman dramas?
  • While both Greek tragedies and Roman dramas feature choruses that comment on the action, Roman choruses tend to emphasize spectacle more than their Greek counterparts. Roman choruses often incorporated more elaborate staging and choreography, enhancing visual appeal. Additionally, Roman dramas frequently adjusted the thematic focus of their choruses, aligning them more closely with contemporary political or social issues relevant to their audiences.
• Evaluate how the function of the chorus reflects broader cultural values in ancient Greek society compared to later theatrical traditions.
  • In ancient Greek society, the chorus was integral to theater as it encapsulated collective community values, moral lessons, and cultural narratives. Their commentary offered insights into social norms and expectations, effectively engaging audiences with shared beliefs. In contrast, later theatrical traditions began to prioritize individual character development over collective voices. This shift reflects changing cultural values that emphasized personal agency and psychological complexity over communal perspectives.

Related terms

Strophe:

The first part of a choral ode in which the chorus moves from one side of the stage to the other, often accompanied by musical elements.

Antistrophe: The second part of a choral ode that responds to the strophe, usually reflecting on the themes presented in the first part.

Skene: The backdrop structure in ancient theaters, often used as a stage for actors and as a setting for the chorus's performance.