44 pages • 1 hour read
The play is titled Ion, but in many ways, Creusa is the principal character. Who do you think is the more dynamic character of the play, and why?
German philosopher and literary critic Friedrich Nietzsche drew a distinction between Apollonian and Dionysian themes, claiming that the former (as god of logic) promotes reason of emotion, while the latter (god of wine) promotes chaos, and the prioritizing of emotion over reason. Do the events of Ion seem to suggest a preference for either the Apollonian or Dionysian worldview (or both)?
The term anagnorisis (Greek for “recognition”) is used even in modern literary criticism to refer to the moment when one of the main characters recognizes his or her true identity or discovers another important detail of himself or herself. This play features several scenes of anagnorisis. Compare the first (false) anagnorises of Xuthus and Ion with the closing anagnorises of Creusa and Ion. How do the characters react to their respective discoveries?
Oracles play a major role in the development of the plot. Trace the appearance of oracles throughout the play. How does the author use oracles to advance the plot? Are they a positive, negative, or multivalent force? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
Greek theater almost always witnessed violence taking place offstage. What is the effect of this convention on the reader/audience? What are the relative merits of showing versus describing brutality?
Examine the messenger’s speech explaining the discovery of the plot against Ion. What characteristics of the speech make the events more vivid to the audience who did not witness the moment on stage?
Ion experiences several reversals of fortune throughout the play. Analyze Ion’s development as it relates to these self-discoveries. How does he react to both his struggles and his good fortune?
The gods of Greco-Roman religion were not considered morally superior to humans. In fact, their behavior mirrors and showcases human nature. Trace the attestations of a specific god (Athena or Apollo) within the play. Are they portrayed in an overall positive, negative, or neutral light?
Athens was the most populous primary city-state (polis) of ancient Greece during the classical period (the fifth century). Though Greek theaters existed elsewhere in the ancient world, Greek theater was primarily performed in Athens. Where in the play is there direct reference to Athens, and what effect(s) would these references have on the audience watching the play?
Examine the role the chorus of handmaidens plays in the development of the plot. Consider addressing whether they are ultimately a positive or negative force, and how the play might be different if the chorus was composed of male characters.
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