Intermediary

Definition

An intermediary is a figure or entity that acts as a bridge or link between two parties, facilitating communication, action, or understanding. In the context of Greek comedy, the chorus often serves as an intermediary, conveying messages and emotions between the audience and the characters, while also reflecting societal norms and values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chorus plays a crucial role as an intermediary by interpreting the actions of the main characters and guiding the audience's emotional response.
2. Through its songs and dialogues, the chorus can express collective opinions or moral lessons, providing a commentary that connects the play's themes to contemporary issues.
3. The chorus often represents different perspectives within society, helping to mediate between conflicting viewpoints presented by characters.
4. In some comedies, the chorus may interact directly with characters, blurring the lines between observer and participant in the narrative.
5. The use of an intermediary like the chorus allows playwrights to address complex themes in a manner that is accessible and engaging for the audience.

Review Questions

• How does the chorus function as an intermediary in Greek comedy, and what impact does this have on audience engagement?
  • The chorus functions as an intermediary by providing commentary on the action and expressing collective thoughts that resonate with the audience. This role enhances audience engagement by creating a shared emotional experience, allowing viewers to connect with the themes being explored. By articulating moral lessons and societal critiques, the chorus helps guide the audience's understanding of the play's deeper meanings.
• Analyze how the chorus's role as an intermediary can reflect or challenge societal norms in Greek comedy.
  • The chorus’s role as an intermediary allows it to reflect societal norms by voicing widely accepted beliefs or values of the time. However, it can also challenge these norms through satire and critique. By presenting alternative viewpoints or questioning established ideas, the chorus engages in a dialogue with both the characters and the audience, prompting reflection on cultural practices and beliefs. This dynamic makes comedy a space for examining social issues through humor.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of using an intermediary like the chorus in conveying complex themes within Greek comedy compared to other narrative devices.
  • Using an intermediary like the chorus is highly effective in conveying complex themes in Greek comedy because it allows for direct communication of ideas between creators and audiences. Unlike other narrative devices that may rely solely on character dialogue or action, the chorus can summarize events, express collective emotions, and provide commentary that enriches understanding. This dual role enhances thematic depth while keeping audiences engaged with humor and insight, making it a unique aspect of Greek comedic structure.

Related terms

Chorus: A group of performers in ancient Greek drama that comment on the action, provide insight into characters' thoughts and feelings, and engage with the audience.

Aesthetic Distance: The separation between the audience and the performance, allowing viewers to engage with the themes and emotions without being overwhelmed by them.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, politics, or human behavior.