Euripides, Bacchae

Questions and Projects:

Outline the play.

Compare the role of Dionysus with that of Aphrodite in the Hippolytus.

What is the importance of Semele's tomb in the play?

Consider references to revelation throughout the play and references to appearing and being seen. Compare the way Dionysus is revealed and the way Pentheus is revealed.

Freedom and necessity: consider the paradox of freedom from constraint offered to worshippers of Dionysus with the compulsion brought upon the women of Thebes.

Why does Pentheus refuse the worship of Dionysus? When is he right and when is he wrong?

Compare the two sets of worshippers of Dionysus: the chorus of asiatic Bacchae and the absent women of Thebes celebrating on the hill: how do their actions differ?

Pay close attention to the speeches in which the Bacchae on Mt. Cithaeron are described. How do they differ from Pentheus' expectations?

What does the scene between Teiresias and Cadmus add? Why is Pentheus offended by their actions? Is Teiresias' line of argument convincing? Is it pious?

Consider Pentheus' opinions of women and think about them in relation to his fall (wearing a dress and primping his curls). How does Pentheus' voyeurism fit in with the themes of the play?

Think about Pentheus' self-knowledge (see line 507): if Pentheus has limited and narrow-minded vision of others, at least he is consistent enough to have the same vision of himself.

Consider various distinctions that are made by characters in the play and blurred by actions:

In the descriptions of the Bacchae consider the duality of Bacchic behavior, peaceful and violent.

Is what the Bacchae on the hill see of Pentheus (the beast inside him) all there is of him? Reconsider Pentheus in the light of lines 1310-1322. Is the beast any part of Pentheus?

Consider similarities between Pentheus and the "Lydian stranger".

Does Dionysus really give Pentheus a fair chance; is he honest with his kinsman?

Can a comparison be made between Dionysus in this play and Medea?

Watch for violence just below the surface in actions of the worshippers.

Who is the protagonist?