1. Historical Period:
- Greek drama originated in ancient Greece, primarily during the 5th century BC.
- Elizabethan drama refers to the theatre of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, primarily in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
2. Purpose and Function:
- Greek drama was closely associated with religious and civic ceremonies, particularly festivals honoring the god Dionysus. It had a ritualistic and communal function.
- Elizabethan drama, while still influenced by religious themes, was mainly intended for entertainment and was presented in public theatres.
3. Play Structure:
- Greek drama typically consisted of three tragedies followed by a satyr play (a short, comical piece). Each tragedy was further divided into sections such as the prologue, parodos, episodes, and stasima (choral interludes).
- Elizabethan drama had a more varied structure, but common elements included the use of multiple plots, subplots, and interludes. The plays often incorporated dramatic devices like soliloquies and asides.
4. Staging and Performance:
- Greek dramas were performed in amphitheatres, outdoor venues with a large, circular or semi-circular seating arrangement. Actors wore masks and elevated footwear (cothurni) to enhance their presence.
- Elizabethan dramas were staged in purpose-built theatres, often with a central stage surrounded by audience seating. Actors did not wear masks, allowing for greater facial expression.
5. Chorus:
- The chorus played a significant role in Greek drama. It functioned as a collective entity, commenting on the action, providing backstory, and reflecting the communal perspective.
- Elizabethan dramas did not use the chorus as a central element. Instead, characters within the play provided exposition, reflections, and insights.
6. Character Development:
- Greek drama often showcased archetypal characters representing universal traits or moral lessons. Character development was focused on external actions and conflicts rather than internal psychology.
- Elizabethan dramatists explored more complex characterization and psychological depth. Characters were often multifaceted and exhibited a wide range of emotions and motivations.
7. Themes:
- Greek dramas frequently dealt with themes of fate, destiny, hubris (excessive pride), the conflict between human will and divine forces, and the examination of societal norms.
- Elizabethan dramas covered a diverse range of themes, including love, revenge, ambition, social hierarchy, and political power struggles.
8. Language and Style:
- Greek dramas utilized poetic language, particularly iambic trimeter, and employed elevated and stylized speech.
- Elizabethan dramas exhibited a mix of poetic language and prose, depending on the social status of characters and the dramatic situation. Playwrights like Shakespeare were renowned for their skillful use of language and imagery.
Overall, Greek drama and Elizabethan drama represent distinct theatrical traditions that showcase the cultural, societal, and artistic influences of their respective eras. While both forms have had profound impacts on theatre history, they differ in terms of their origins, purposes, structures, and stylistic approaches.