Lexis e opsis na tragédia grega

Abstract

Among the six parts distinguished in Aristotle's Poetics as constituting tragedy two will be closely examined in this article, lexis and opsis. As far as lexis is concerned, the philosopher himself defines it as `communication through words' and considers the clarity and elevation of style as its major virtue; however, the three chapters inc]uded in this part deal mainly with philological questions, among which one should note, due to its novelty, the definition and usage of metaphor. On the other hand, the performance (opsz.s) is considered by him to be `devoid of art and the most alien to poetics', though able to arouse fear and piety, it's through reading alone that the quality of tragedy should be revealed. Bearing these statements in mind, the extent of the diffusion of written texts and the frequency of performance within the Hellenic space will be discussed, as well as the limits of the performance of the skenopoios and the choregos and the poet's intervention in stage direction. Some of the most famous and spectacular passages from each one of the three great tragicians will be analysed.