Classical Literary Genres: Epic, Lyric, Dramatic
Classical Literary Genres
4.1 Definition
Classical literary genres are categories used to classify literary works according to their form and content. In the 5th century BC, the Greeks, particularly Aristotle, defined the main genres: epic poetry, lyric poetry, and dramatic poetry.
4.2 Poetry and Music
Poetry was often recited or sung. In Greek mythology, the singer Orpheus is a mythical character. Music and singing accompanied heroes in works like the Iliad and the Odyssey. Music was closely linked with all forms of classical poetry.
4.3 Epic Poetry
Epic poetry narrates heroic deeds, which may be historical or legendary, although they are generally inspired by real events. The most direct heirs of the epic are the Homeric poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, composed by Greek aoidoi (singers) between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. In the Middle Ages, Virgil’s Aeneid, which tells the story of Aeneas, the founder of Rome, revitalized the epic tradition.
The Romance languages saw the emergence of a new form of epic, typically anonymous, that told the deeds of a hero. In French, these are called chansons de geste. The most famous is the Chanson de Roland. In Spanish, we have cantares de gesta, the most famous being the Cantar de Mio Cid. No Catalan examples have been preserved, although it is believed that they existed. In the 19th century, Jacint Verdaguer wrote the epic poems L’Atlàntida and Canigó, the latter being the most famous.
4.4 Lyric Poetry
Lyric poetry was originally accompanied by the sound of a lyre. The song expresses the passions, feelings, and thoughts of the poet. The poet no longer sings about what he sees around him, but sings from his soul.
- Choral Lyric: Sung by a chorus.
- Monodic Lyric: Sung by a single person.
Troubadours were instrumental in the development of lyricism in the early Romance languages.
Dramatic Poetry
By the end of the 6th century BC, the ancient forms of dramatic poetry were classified into tragedy, comedy, satirical drama, and mime.
- Tragedy: Represents characters who are victims of their destiny.
- Comedy: Features a happy ending.
- Satirical Drama: Compositions featuring theatrical people, often with a burlesque tone.
- Mime: Typically had no text.
Origins and Problematics
In ancient times, Greek sanctuaries hosted sacred dances that mimicked the deeds and adventures of mythological gods. These dances, along with popular songs, developed into more formal performances by the 7th century BC, particularly in the northern Peloponnese, during the festivals of Dionysus.
Origins of Tragedy
The word “tragedy” means “goat song.” It derives from the dithyramb, a brief song in honor of Dionysus. A 7th-century religious movement in favor of the cult of Dionysus was important for the development of tragedy. This movement paralleled political processes and the birth of democracy.
Tragedy was a creation of Athenian democracy. It reflected the social structure and internal conflicts of the time. While not a direct democratic representation, it was based on legends of aristocratic heroism, directed at an audience familiar with epic songs. It presented an ethical evaluation of individuals, embodying the aristocratic ideal within a democratic, though not necessarily popular, theatrical form.
Origins of Comedy
The word “comedy” is related to “village” or “town.” Comedy originated from the songs of the kommos, the village. From these celebrations arose grotesque and obscene comedies, written in verse, similar to tragedy. Aristophanes is the most famous playwright of comedies, and some of his works preserve elements of these origins.
Conclusion
Theatrical forms born in Greece share a common base: the representation of an experience, situated in a portrayal of either a mythical past or daily reality.