- 1. Aeschylus, often referred to as the father of tragedy, was an influential ancient Greek dramatist whose works laid the foundation for the genre of tragedy in Western theatre. Born around 525 BC in Eleusis, near Athens, he transformed the art of storytelling on stage through the introduction of a second actor, which allowed for more complex character interactions and dialogues, moving away from the earlier tradition of monologues and choruses. His most famous plays, such as the 'Oresteia' trilogy, delve into themes of justice, fate, and the human condition, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters. Aeschylus was a master of language and utilized rich imagery and profound symbolism, which contributed to the emotional and psychological depth of his works. His contribution to the festival of Dionysia, where his plays were performed, not only earned him several accolades—including winning the dramatic competitions— but also solidified his position as a crucial figure in the development of Greek tragedy. Often viewed as a bridge between the earlier hymn-like dramatizations of myth and the more nuanced, character-driven works of later playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides, Aeschylus's legacy continues to resonate in the study of theatre, literature, and the human experience.
Which ancient Greek god was associated with tragedy as a form of art?
A) Apollo
B) Athena
C) Zeus
D) Dionysus
- 2. What was Aeschylus' profession besides being a playwright?
A) Merchant
B) Politician
C) Priest
D) Soldier
- 3. Who were Aeschylus' contemporaries among the renowned playwrights?
A) Chekhov and Ibsen
B) Molière and Racine
C) Shakespeare and Marlowe
D) Sophocles and Euripides
- 4. Which trilogy of plays is attributed to Aeschylus?
A) Oresteia
B) The Trojan Women
C) The Oedipus Plays
D) The Theban Plays
- 5. Which of Aeschylus' plays is considered the earliest surviving Greek tragedy?
A) The Persians
B) Antigone
C) Medea
D) The Bacchae
- 6. What type of dramatic structure did Aeschylus introduce to theater?
A) Dialogues
B) Soliloquy
C) Monologue
D) Trilogy
- 7. In how many extant tragedies is Aeschylus considered the author?
A) 3
B) 10
C) 7
D) 15
- 8. Which character from Greek mythology is featured prominently in Aeschylus' works?
A) Hercules
B) Prometheus
C) Achilles
D) Theseus
- 9. Which city was the center of Greek dramatic festivals where Aeschylus' plays were performed?
A) Thebes
B) Corinth
C) Sparta
D) Athens
- 10. What is the term for the act of settling or ending a plot in a dramatic work?
A) Conflict
B) Climax
C) Resolution
D) Exposition
- 11. Where did Aeschylus die?
A) Rome, Italy
B) Athens, Greece
C) Alexandria, Egypt
D) Gela, Sicily
- 12. What was Aeschylus known as?
A) Father of Tragedy
B) Master of Satire
C) Grandfather of Drama
D) Father of Comedy
- 13. Which war did Aeschylus fight in?
A) Trojan War
B) Persian Wars
C) Punic Wars
D) Peloponnesian War
- 14. Which award did Aeschylus win at the Dionysia festival in Athens?
A) First prize
B) No prize
C) Special mention
D) Second prize
- 15. How many parts make up Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy?
A) Three
B) Five
C) Four
D) Two
- 16. What famous battle did Aeschylus fight in?
A) Battle of Thermopylae
B) Battle of Marathon
C) Battle of Salamis
D) Battle of Troy
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