Question

With what animal was the genre of tragedy associated in ancient Greek society?

1) Lion
2) Tiger
3) Elephant
4) Goat

Answer 1

The genre of tragedy in ancient Greek society was associated with the Goat. The tragic plays, a significant part of ancient Greek theater, were often performed in festivals honoring Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility, who was symbolically linked to a goat. The word "tragedy" itself has etymological roots connected to the Greek words "tragos" (goat) and "ode" (song), reflecting this association. So, the correct answer is option 4, Goat.

Answer 2

The animal associated with the genre of tragedy in ancient Greek society is the goat. The word 'tragedy' itself comes from the Greek words for 'goat' and 'song,' linked to Dionysian festivals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The animal associated with the genre of tragedy in ancient Greek society is the goat. This association is related to the word 'tragedy' itself, which is believed to stem from the Greek words tragos meaning 'goat' and oide meaning 'song.' Thus, tragedy can be thought of as 'goat song.' This relationship is tied to the Dionysian festivals where the tragedy genre originated; dithyrambs, or choral hymns, were sung in honor of Dionysus and could involve satyrs who were half-human, half-goat. These performances evolved into what we now recognize as the dramatic form of tragedy, with famous ancient Greek tragedians like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.