Tragedy

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

a dramatic poem representing an important event, or a series of events, in the life of some person or persons, in which the diction is elevated, and which has generally a tragic or fatal catastrophe; that species of drama which represents a tragical situation or a tragical character. Tragedy originated among the Greeks in the worship of Dionysus. Thespis first introduced dialogue in the choral odes, and made one entire story occupy the pauses in the chorus. His first representation was in 535 B. C. He was succeeded by Phrynichrittene, aneis falchich has chus and Chœrilus, and is said to have come down to us. Æschylus (525-456 B. c.) added a second actor, diminished the parts of the chorus, and made the dialogue the principal part of the action. He also introduced scenery, and masks for actors, and is also said to have introduced the custom of contending with trilogies, or three plays at a time. In his later years he added a third actor. ARTHUR TRAIN Sophocles (495-405 B. c.) further improved the scenery and costume. In the hands of Euripides (480-405 b. c.) tragedy deteriorated in dignity; one of his peculiarities was the prologue, or introductory monologue, in which some god or hero opens the play lay , telling who he is, what has already happened, and what is the present state of affairs. He also invented tragi-comedy. The first Roman tragic poet was Livius Andronicus, a Greek by birth, who began to exhibit in 240 b. c. He was succeeded by Nævius (died 204 b. c.), and Ennius (239-169 B. C.) The only complete Roman tragedies that have come down to us are the 10 attributed to Seneca (A. D. 2-65). The first English tragedy is "Gorboduc, or Ferrex and Porrex," acted in 1562. See