Here is my presentation on the paper " Literary theory and Criticism " on the topic two literary terms 1. Chorus and 2. Spectacle

2. Name :- Nirali Makvana
Class :- M. A Sem 1
Paper :- Literary Theory & Criticism
Topic :- Literary terms : 1. Chorus 2.
Spectacle
Roll no. :- 21
Submitted to :- Department of English (
Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhaji
Bhavnagar university )
Enrollment no. :- 2069108420200023

3. Chorus
Chorus
“ A company of Singers and dancers in Athenian drama participating in
commenting on the action.”
The Chorus in classical Greek drama was a group of actors who
described and commented upon the main action of a play with Song,
dance and recitation.

4. Greek chorus
▪ A Greek Chorus in the context of Ancient
Greek tragedy, Comedy, satire play and
modern works inspired by them.
▪ Chorus is a homogeneous, non –
individualised group of performers, who
comments with a collective voice on the
dramatic action.
▪ The Chorus consisted of between 12 and 50
players,who variously danced, sang or spoke
their lines in unison and sometimes wore
masks.

5. The role of chorus in tragedy
▪ One of the ingredients of tragedy is specified by Aristotle is
thought corus is one of the pprincipal vehicles of thought.
▪ tragedy arouse out of chorus whether Dithyrambic or some
other Sort.
▪ Chorus serves different purpose for the playwright.
▪ As there was this clear need to distract the audience while the
actors went off stage to change clothes and Costumes and
perhaps people prepare for their next role.
▪ according to a view accepted by many Scholars the chorus
would provide commentary on actions and events that were
taking place before the audience.

6.  The Chorus is the sympathetic observer rather than an active participant.
 The Chorus comments on the action in lyrical speeches.
 Thus they add lyrical splendour to the drama and help in transforming horror
and pain to beauty and music.
 Aristotle says in his Poetics that, “ Chorus should be an integral part of the
whole and take share in the action.”

7. Spectacle
“ Something exhibited to view as
unusual, notable or entertaining,
especially an eye catching or
dramatic public display.”

8.  The word Spectacle has also been a term of art in theatre dating from the
17th century in English drama.
 Spectacle is one of the six components of tragedy, occupying the
category of the mode of imitation.
 The qualities determined by the playwright that create the world and
atmosphere of the play for the audience’s eyes.
 Spectacle includes all aspects of the tragedy that contribute to its sensory
effects : Costumes, Scenery, the gesture of the actors, the sound of the
music and the resonance of the actors’ voices.