Questions 21-25
There are many theories about the beginning of drama in ancient Greece. The one
most widely accepted today is based on the assumption that drama evolved from
ritual. The argument for this view goes as follows. In the beginning, human
beings viewed the natural forces of the world, even the seasonal changes, as
unpredictable, and they sought, through various means, to control these unknown
and feared powers. Those measures which appeared to bring the desired results
were then retained and repeated until they hardened into fixed rituals.
Eventually stories arose which explained or veiled the mysteries of the rites.
As time passed some rituals were abandoned, but the stories, later called myths,
persisted and provided material for art and drama. Those who
believed that drama evolved out of ritual also argue that those rites contained
the seed of theater because music, dance, masks, and costumes were almost always
used. Furthermore, a suitable site had to be provided for performances, and when
the entire community did not participate, a clear division was usually made
between the "acting area" and the "auditorium". In addition, there were
performers, and, since considerable importance was attached to avoiding mistakes
in the enactment of rite~, religious leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing
masks and costumes, they often impersonated other people, animals, or
supernatural beings, and mimed the desired effect--success in hunt or battle,
the coming rain, the revival of the Sun--as an actor might. Eventually such
dramatic representations were separated from religious activities.
Another theory traces the theater’s origin from the human interest in
storytelling. According to this view, tales (about the hunt, war, or other
feats) are gradually elaborated, at first through the use of impersonation,
action, and dialogue by a narrator and then through the assumption of each of
the roles by a different person. A closely related theory traces theater to
those dances that are primarily rhythmical and gymnastic or that are imitations
of animal movements and sounds Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common element of theater
and ritual ______