The Greek Chorus

One of the most striking features of Greek drama is the presence of a chorus whose members dance, sing, and contribute to the dramatic action in ways that puzzle modern audiences. Besides the drama, choruses are also found in other genres: in victory odes for champions of athletic competitions, in hymns to gods and goddesses, and in other forms such as the dithyramb. In this class, we will read a representative selection of choral lyric, from Alcman to Aristophanes, including major figures such as Pindar, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.