The word "anti strophe" is spelled /ˌænti ˈstrɒfi/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable, "anti," is pronounced with the short "a" sound, followed by the "n" sound and a "t" sound. The second syllable, "strophe," starts with the stressed "s" sound, followed by a "t" sound, then the long "o" sound and a "f" sound, and finally the unstressed "i" sound. Together, the word refers to the second half of an ancient Greek choral ode that responds to the first half, known as the strophe.
Anti-strophe is a term used in the field of ancient Greek literature and poetry, specifically in regards to the structure and form of a chorus in a tragedy or play. It refers to the second part of the choral ode, where the chorus moves in the opposite direction from where it started, or in other words, it is the response or counter-movement to the strophe.
In ancient Greek drama, the chorus played a significant role as a collective voice that commented on the actions and themes of the play. The choral ode consisted of two parts: the strophe and the anti-strophe. The strophe was the initial movement of the chorus across the stage, and the anti-strophe was the accompanying movement in the opposite direction.
This term is also used to describe the corresponding metric structure and musical patterns of the anti-strophe, which differed from those employed in the strophe. While the strophe often introduced a theme or idea, the anti-strophe provided a contrasting viewpoint or perspective, creating a dynamic interplay of ideas and emotions. This back-and-forth movement of the chorus was a crucial element in Greek tragedy, allowing for a multi-dimensional exploration of the play's themes and enhancing its artistic impact.
In summary, an anti-strophe is the second part of a choral ode in ancient Greek drama where the chorus moves in opposition or counter-movement to the strophe. It serves as a response or contrasting movement, contributing to the thematic and emotional complexity of the play.
The word "antistrophe" has its roots in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "anti" (ἀντί), meaning "opposite" or "against", and "strophe" (στροφή), meaning "turn" or "twist".
In ancient Greek drama, choral odes were performed in two parts: strophe and antistrophe. The strophe was the first section of the choral ode, and the antistrophe followed it as a second section. The chorus would move in one direction while singing the strophe, and then move in the opposite direction while singing the antistrophe. This created a back-and-forth or opposing movement, hence the use of "anti" to indicate the opposite or contrasting nature of the antistrophe section.