Parados

Definition

Parados refers to the entrance song sung by the chorus in Greek tragedy, performed as they make their entrance into the orchestra. This moment is significant as it sets the tone for the play and introduces key themes, emotions, and narrative elements that will unfold throughout the performance. The parados also marks the transition from the prologue to the main action of the play, acting as a bridge between the initial exposition and the unfolding drama.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The parados serves as a crucial introduction to the chorus's role in Greek tragedy, often establishing their perspective and emotional stance regarding the unfolding story.
2. This entrance song typically conveys themes of conflict, fate, or divine influence, helping to foreshadow events in the drama that follow.
3. Parados can be structured with a specific meter and rhythm, reflecting the poetic nature of Greek theatrical performance.
4. The music and choreography accompanying the parados add an important visual and auditory layer to its meaning, engaging the audience more deeply with the emotional content.
5. In some plays, the parados may include references to mythological events or characters relevant to the plot, enriching the context for viewers.

Review Questions

• How does the parados function within a Greek tragedy in relation to both thematic development and character introduction?
  • The parados serves as an essential element in Greek tragedy by introducing thematic elements that resonate throughout the play. It not only prepares the audience for key conflicts and motifs but also presents the chorus's perspective, which often reflects on or contrasts with individual characters' journeys. This entrance song sets a mood that guides viewers’ emotional responses while framing upcoming events in relation to broader societal or divine issues.
• Analyze how the use of music and choreography during the parados enhances its emotional impact on the audience.
  • The integration of music and choreography during the parados significantly elevates its emotional resonance. The rhythmic patterns and melodies can evoke feelings of anticipation or dread, while dance movements visually interpret themes being sung. This combination not only captivates the audience but also deepens their connection to the emotional landscape of the play, encouraging a more immersive viewing experience that highlights key ideas expressed by the chorus.
• Evaluate how different playwrights may have utilized the parados to convey varying messages or themes in their works.
  • Different playwrights employed the parados uniquely to reflect their individual styles and thematic concerns. For instance, Aeschylus might focus on themes of justice and divine retribution, using the parados to introduce moral dilemmas faced by characters. In contrast, Sophocles could emphasize human agency and fate through nuanced choruses that present conflicting emotions. By evaluating these variations, one can see how each playwright crafts distinct narratives that resonate differently with audiences, demonstrating their artistic intent through this foundational aspect of Greek tragedy.

Related terms

Chorus: A group of performers who sing, dance, and comment on the action of the play, providing insights and reflections that enhance the audience's understanding of the narrative.

Stasimon: A choral ode performed by the chorus at various points during a tragedy, typically after a scene featuring dialogue between characters, offering commentary or reflection on events.

Orchestra:

The circular performance space in ancient Greek theatres where the chorus would perform, situated between the audience and the stage.