Thursday 8 August 2024

Structuralism and Ancient Greek Drama

Structuralism is a theoretical approach that analyses cultural phenomena in terms of their relationship to a larger system. It offers a lens through which to examine the intricate web of meaning in Ancient Greek drama.  By focusing on the underlying structures and patterns rather than individual elements, structuralists can analyse and reveal the deep-seated cultural and symbolic codes that are embedded within these texts.

The father of Structuralism was Claude Levi-Strauss.  Levi-Strauss took ideas from Linguistics. Linguistics is the study of human language.  Levi-Strauss argued that human culture works like a language: human myths, rituals, and customs form a system of meaning. Thus this method of analysing Ancient Greek Drama is therefore very much related to study of the origin of Greek drama as a ritual [see Cambridge Anthropological School on Ritual Origin of Drama in this Blog].

Key Structuralist Concepts as applied to Ancient Greek Drama
 
Binary Oppositions: Structuralists often highlight the use of contrasting pairs (e.g., good vs. evil, order vs. chaos, male vs. female) as fundamental organising principles. In Greek tragedy, these oppositions are frequently explored through character foils, plot developments, and thematic conflicts.
 
Myth and Ritual: Structuralists argue that myths and rituals are interconnected and serve as foundational structures of a culture.

Ancient Greek Drama is deeply rooted in mythological narratives and often reenacts or explores the underlying patterns and tensions present in these myths.

Narrative Structure: By analysing the sequence of events, characters, and conflicts, structuralists can identify recurring patterns and archetypes in Greek Drama. Thus this approach helps to uncover the underlying logic and meaning of the narrative.
 
Language and Symbolism: Structuralists pay close attention to the language used in texts, examining the connotations and symbolic significance of words and images. In Greek drama, the playwrights used language and imagery very carefully and this enabled them to contribute to the overall meaning and power of their plays.

Key Structuralist Concepts As Applied to Greek Drama

Binary Oppositions: Structuralists often focus on the interplay of contrasting elements within a text. In Greek drama, this can be seen in the opposition of:

Order vs. chaos
Human vs. divine
Fate vs. free will
Reason vs. passion

Myth and Ritual: Structuralists argue that myths and rituals are fundamentally linked. Greek drama, deeply rooted in mythological narratives, can be seen as a form of ritualised performance, exploring collective anxieties and desires.

Narrative Structure: By analysing the plot structure of plays, structuralists can identify recurring patterns and archetypal characters. The three unities of time, place, and action, commonly observed in Greek drama, are also subjects of structuralist inquiry.

Language and Symbolism: Structuralists pay close attention to the language and symbolism employed in a text. In Greek drama, the use of metaphors, imagery, and character names can reveal deeper layers of meaning.

Examples of Structuralist Analysis in Greek Drama
 
Oedipus Rex:

This classic tragedy can be analysed through the lens of a system of binary opposites as well as an  exploration of the Oedipus myth and its ritualistic implications

The central opposition is between knowledge and ignorance. Oedipus' pursuit of the knowledge of his origin which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The play's structure is cyclical, mirroring the tragic fate of Oedipus.

Oedipus Rex is often interpreted as having a cyclical structure due to several key elements:Fate and Free Will: 

The play explores the tension between fate and free will, with Oedipus' actions seemingly determined by prophecy yet also driven by his own choices. This creates a sense of a repeating pattern, where actions and consequences intertwine cyclically.

Tragic Hero's Downfall: Oedipus' journey from a revered king to a self-blinded outcast mirrors the cyclical nature of human experience, rising and falling.

Thematic Repetition: The play often repeats motifs and themes, such as sight and blindness, knowledge and ignorance, which contribute to a cyclical sense of the narrative.

Circular Plot Structure: Some critics argue that the play's plot, beginning and ending with Thebes in crisis, creates a circular narrative structure, suggesting a perpetual cycle of suffering and redemption.

The character of Tiresias, the blind prophet, contrasts with Oedipus, the seeing but blind king.

Antigone:

The play explores the conflict between divine law and human law, as represented by Antigone and Creon, respectively.   

The Chorus in Antigone acts as a mediator, representing the voice of reason and the societal norms of Ancient Greece. The play's structure is based on a series of reversals and recognitions all of which lead to the tragic outcome of the play.

Medea:

Medea: Euripides' play can be examined in terms of gender roles, power dynamics, and the clash between human emotions and societal expectations.

The central opposition is between love and hate, passion and reason.

Medea's character can be seen as an archetype of the wronged woman.

The play's structure involves a gradual escalation of violence and revenge.

Mythemes in Classical Drama: A Complex Tapestry

Mythemes, as fundamental narrative units in Myth, are deeply embedded in the fabric of Classical drama. These archetypal patterns, often rooted in myth and folklore, provide the underlying structures for the complex plots and character arcs [the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story/plot] like those which we encounter in the works of playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus.

Core Mythemes in Classical Drama

While the specific manifestations vary widely, certain mythemes recur with notable frequency:

The Hero's Journey: This is perhaps the most recognisable mytheme, present in countless stories across cultures. In Classical drama, it often involves a protagonist who undergoes a series of trials, facing both internal and external challenges. Oedipus Rex, for example, is a quintessential example of this mytheme.

Hubris and Nemesis: This mytheme explores the downfall of a character due to excessive pride. Figures like Creon in Antigone and Agamemnon in Agamemnon exemplify this tragic flaw leading to their ultimate destruction.

The Oracle and Fate: The concept of destiny, often revealed through prophecies or oracles, is a central element in many Classical dramas. Characters grapple with the inevitability of their fate, leading to complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

The Family Curse: This mytheme often involves a lineage plagued by misfortune or tragedy. The House of Atreus, as depicted in the Oresteia trilogy, is a prime example of a family cursed by violence and retribution.

The Outsider: Characters who are marginalised or excluded from society often play significant roles in Classical drama. Their perspectives challenge the status quo and expose societal flaws. Medea, for example, is an outsider who seeks revenge against a patriarchal society.
Mythemes and Dramatic Structure

Mythemes not only shape the plot but also contribute to the dramatic structure. They can create suspense, tension, and catharsis. The interplay between characters and their roles within the mythemes drives the action and emotional impact of the play.

The Evolution of Mythemes

It's important to note that mythemes are not static entities. They evolve and adapt over time, reflecting the changing values and concerns of different cultures and periods. In Classical drama, these mythemes were often intertwined with religious and philosophical beliefs, creating a rich and complex tapestry of meaning.

Levi-Strauss and the Oedipus Myth: A Structuralist Perspective

Claude Lévi-Strauss, a prominent figure in structural anthropology, famously applied his theories to the analysis of myths. One of his most well-known examples is the Oedipus myth. Key Points of Lévi-Strauss' Analysis:

  • Myth as Language: Lévi-Strauss viewed myth as a language, operating on a high level of abstraction.

  • Structural Analysis: Instead of focusing on the narrative or symbolic meaning of a myth, he broke it down into its constituent elements, which he called mythemes.

  • Binary Oppositions: Lévi-Strauss believed that myths often revolve around binary oppositions (e.g., culture vs. nature, life vs. death).

  • Mediation: The role of the myth is to mediate these oppositions, to create a logical relationship between them.

Application to the Oedipus Myth:

Lévi-Strauss analyzed the Oedipus myth by breaking it down into its basic components and identifying patterns. He found that the myth revolves around oppositions such as:

  • Overcoming vs. being overcome by fate

  • Incest vs. exogamy

  • Autochthony (originating from the earth) vs. generation

By examining the relationships between these oppositions, Lévi-Strauss argued that the Oedipus myth provides a logical resolution to fundamental human concerns about identity, kinship, and the origin of life.



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