<P> Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance . They commented on themes , and , as August Wilhelm Schlegel proposed in the early 19th century to subsequent controversy , demonstrated how the audience might react to the drama . According to Schlegel , the Chorus is `` the ideal spectator '' , and conveys to the actual spectator `` a lyrical and musical expression of his own emotions , and elevates him to the region of contemplation '' . In many of these plays , the chorus expressed to the audience what the main characters could not say , such as their hidden fears or secrets . The chorus often provided other characters with the insight they needed . </P>
<P> Plays of the ancient Greek theatre always included a chorus that offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance . They commented on themes , and , as August Wilhelm Schlegel proposed in the early 19th century to subsequent controversy , demonstrated how the audience might react to the drama . According to Schlegel , the Chorus is `` the ideal spectator '' , and conveys to the actual spectator `` a lyrical and musical expression of his own emotions , and elevates him to the region of contemplation '' . In many of these plays , the chorus expressed to the audience what the main characters could not say , such as their hidden fears or secrets . The chorus often provided other characters with the insight they needed . </P>
what function did the chorus serve in classical greek theatre
what function did the chorus serve in classical greek theatre
offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance
offered a variety of background and summary information to help the audience follow the performance