What is the meaning of "Kommos," who spoke it, and why?
"Kommos" is a term used in Ancient Greek theater to describe a lamentation or mourning song performed by the chorus and one or more characters. The term comes from the Greek word "kopto," which means to beat the chest or lament.
The term "Kommos" was spoken by the characters in Greek tragedies such as plays written by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. It was often used during moments of intense emotion or crisis in the action of the play, where the chorus and characters would come together to express their sorrow, grief, or outrage.
The purpose of the "Kommos" was to evoke sympathy and empathy from the audience, to intensify the emotional impact of the events unfolding on stage, and to provide a cathartic release for both the characters and the spectators. The use of the "Kommos" helped to heighten the dramatic tension and add an emotional depth to the performance, making it a powerful and memorable theatrical device in Ancient Greek drama.