1995年8月托福考试阅读理解全真试题（下）
Questions 31-40
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 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, and
since considerable importance was attached to avoiding mistakes
in the enactment of rites, 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 impersonat