Question

The influence of Greek tragedy as filtered through Seneca can still be seen in modern plays, movies, and literature. Select a play, movie, or literary work with which you are familiar. In the space below, write a 150-word essay presenting and analyzing the evidence you find of Greek tragic elements as discussed in relation to Elizabethan and Senecan drama. Include examples of at least three different elements, with an explanation of each one. Be sure to include the title of your selected work, as well as its type (play, movie, or literary work such as a book or short story). Elements you might choose from include the tragic hero, premonitions, prophetic dreams, or revenge.

Answer 1

A movie that shows similar characteristics to the ones that can be seen in Greek tragedies and Senecan dramas is The Passion of the Christ.

The Greek tragic elements that can be observed in Senecan dramas are the melodramatic elements, such as killing, assassination, horror scenes, that chock the reader or viewer. Revenge is also an important element since it is considered the main plot of Seneca's plays. Supernatural elements and the presence of the underworld are also important elements present in Senecan dramas. Greek tragedies usually tell the story of a hero, a good person who had a terrible destiny or was misunderstood. That causes pity, empathy and fear on the audience.

The movie The Passion of the Christ tells Christ's story, which is well-known throughout the world because of Christianism and the bible. That story was adapted into a movie format and shows many similar characteristics to the ones in Greek tragedies and Senecan dramas, such as melodramatic elements because the movie has many horrific scenes of torture and blood-shed; revenge and betrail, since it tells the viewer about Juda's betrail that led Christ to his death; supernatural elements because it tells about Christ's resurrection and his visions and conversations with God. Also, the movie is about a hero that was misunderstood and had a terrible destiny, moreover it causes pity and fear on the audience. Therefore, the movie presents many of the characteristics found in Senecan dramas and Greek tragedies.