Course Contents

•An introduction to Classical Greek Tragedy through the text of The Antigone by Sophocles, with special reference to Oedipus Rex in its context and background. Discussion on Aristotelian Tragedy and its salient features specially role of Chorus while close reading of the Text from page 1 to19. •Continuation of the reading of The Antigone from page 20 to 39 focusing the application of the features of tragedy by Aristotle on the selected text. Emphasis on the evaluation of all characters in the play. Significance and value of the characters of Creon, Antigone, and Teiresias in the play. •Discussion on the dominant subject matters and an assessment to structure of the play The Antigone while reading the text from page 40 to 59. Elaborate discussion on dramatic significance of choral odes as well as role of Gods in The Antigone. •Reading of the text of The Antigone from page 60 to 80. Discussion on important topics and denouement of the play. Discussion on Sophocles as a dramatist. Final revision of the whole text and discussion on principal parts of Greek Tragedy. •Introduction to the Age of Christopher Marlowe with special focus on tragedy, Dr Faustus. Reading of the text with critical appreciation of lines in Act I (scene 1, scene 2). Discussion on Dr Faustus as Christian morality play, elements of allegory and values of the Age of Renaissance through absolute power and corruption. •Reading of the text of Act I (scene 3, scene 4) and analysis of the characters of the play in detail. Character of Dr Faustus and his overreaching nature, role of Lucifer & Mephistopheles. Analysis of themes of play Good versus Evil, redemption, damnation, and seven deadly sins. •Reading of the text of Act II (scene 1, scene 2) with critical explanation of the lines. Analysis of the use of long soliloquies of Dr Faustus. Discussion on Autobiographical elements and Dr Faustus as a tragic play. •Reading of the text of Act III (scene 1, scene 2) with critical explanation of the lines. Emphasis on the role of chorus as narrator, intermittently between the scenes. • Reading of Act III (scene 3). Emphasis on the principle theme of repudiation of humanity as well and analysis of dark magic in the play. Analysis of the tone of the play with occasional low comedy. • Reading of Act IV (scene 1, scene 2, and scene 3) with critical explanation of the lines. Discussion on significant symbols, motifs and use of foreshadowing in the play specifically of Faustus’s ultimate damnation. • Reading of the text of Act V (scene 1, scene 2) with summing up discussion on various topics of the play. Revision of the whole play. Final discussion on various critical topics of the play. • Introduction to the Age of Shakespeare with special focus on the genre of comedy. Introduction to A Mid Summer Night’s Dream. Analysis of the map of characters with special emphasis on Theseus, Oberon, and Bottom. Reading of text of Act I (scene 1 and scene 2). Significance of opening scenes. • Reading of Act II (scene 1 and scene 2), Analysis of principle themes in the play, use of supernatural aspects, role of fairies and their conduct along with magical elements. • Reading of Act III (scene 1 and scene 2), Analysis of the element of Masque and comic elements in main plot and sub-plots of this play. Discussion on the play as an allegory and significance of soliloquies. • Reading of Act IV (scene 1 and scene 2), discussion on subject matter of the play and perspective of imagination, and reality. Focus on female characters and contrast among them. • Reading of Act V (scene 1) with critical explanation. Summing up of the play and revision. Discussion on major symbols, images, and dramatic irony of the play.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Know about Greek Mythology, its historical context and conventional trends and mythological figures of classical theatre through readings of Greek play. • Understand the importance influence of classical plays on the development of Drama. • Comprehend the genre of tragedy and comedy with full dimensions. • Learn socio-cultural, historical and political views of society portrayed in selected dramas. • Have a perception of the main objectives, subject matters and ideas essential to Classical Drama. • Critically assess the inherent nature of the human condition, its paradoxes, complexities and conflicts in the classical texts under study