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
Line the natural forces of the world, even the seasonal changes, as
unpredictable, and they
(5) 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.
(10) Those who believe 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,
(15) and, since considerable importance was attached to avoiding
mistakes in the enactment
of rites, religious leaders usually assumed that task. Wearing
mask 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
(20) 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 impersonations, action, and
dialogue by a narrator
and then through the assumption of each of the roles by a
different person. A closely
(25) related theory traces theater to those dances that are primarily
rhythmical and
gymnastic or that are imitations of animal movements and sounds.
Questions
32. What does the passage mainly discuss?
(A) The origins of theater
(B) The role of ritual in
modern dance
(C) The importance of
storytelling
(D) The variety of early
religious activities
33. The word "they" in line 4 refers to
(A) seasonal changes
(B) natural forces
(C) theories
(D) human beings
34. What aspect of drama does the author discuss in the first
paragraph?
(A) The reason drama is often
unpredictable
(B) The seasons in which dramas
were performed
(C) The connection between
myths and dramatic plots
(D) The importance of costumes
in early drama
35. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common element of
theater
and ritual?
(A)
Dance (B) Costumes
(C)
Music (D) Magic
36. The word "considerable" in line 15 is closest in
meaning to
(A) thoughtful
(B) substantial
(C) relational
(D) ceremonial
37. The word "enactment" in line 15 is closest in
meaning to
(A) establishment
(B) performance
(C) authorization
(D) season
38. The word "they" in line 16 refers to
(A) mistakes
(B) costumes
(C) animals
(D) performers
39. According to the passage, what is the manin difference between
ritual
and drama?
(A) Ritual uses music whereas
drama does not.
(B) Ritual is shorter than
drama.
(C) Ritual requires fewer
performers than drama.
(D) Ritual has a religious
purpose and drama does not.
40. The passage supports which of the following statements?
(A) No one really knows how the
theater began.
(B) Myths are no longer
represented dramatically.
(C) Storytelling is an
important part of dance.
(D) Dramatic activities require
the use of costumes.
41. Where in the passage does the author discuss the separation of
the
stage and the audience?
(A) Lines 8-9
(B) Lines 12-14
(C) Lines 19-20
(D) Lines 22-24
Please tally your answer with
the below provided answers and then comment below, how much you got!
Answers
32. A 33. D 34. C 35.
D 36. B 37. B 38. D 39. D 40.
A 41. B
Comments
Post a Comment