Thursday, March 17, 2005
As I only got 44% in my Greek Tragedy paper, I plan to have it remarked. Does this sort of answer deserve and 'E' grade? I think not (This post will be a little self-indulgent by the way).
How far was Dionysus justified in his actions in The Bacchae? In your answer, you should consider the actions and attitudes of both the mortals and of the god. (20 marks)
The Bacchae has provided rich discussion on the nature of Dionysus, and Euripides’ relationship and view of the gods. I feel that the very nature of Dionysus is one of excess, and this is shown in the actions of his followers and himself, combining in the outcome he desires. Dionysus is the anthropomorphic personification of excess, as well as the creation and destruction that stem from that excess. Dionysus is an excessive force, and Pentheus, who is rigid against it, could only fall. What is fascinating is that Pentheus’s fate is only death, abet an unpleasant and tragic one, while the fate of Cadmus, who advised Pentheus to pretend to worship Dionysus even if he didn’t really is severe. The fate of being turned into a snake and being destined to lead a barbarian horde against his own city is the truly excessive punishment.
Hubris has caused the death of many tragic heroes, and Pentheus’s actual denying the existence of a god was hugely unwise. His other characteristics are undesirable, as he claims logic and reason, yet seems prone to bursts of excessive violence and rage, as shown in his attempt to use force. He treats others with contempt, and combined with his (granted not unusual) misogynistic attitudes, he does not appear to be a good ruler. In this sense, he is clearly worthy of the god’s wrath. However, many of his decisions were hugely influenced by Dionysus, and it is through the god’s sophistry that Pentheus’s fate is sealed.
I feel that Dionysus was justified in his punishment of Pentheus, due to Pentheus’s hubristic and arrogant nature but due to the petty, child-like element that all gods (and particularly Dionysus) have, his punishment went too far with Cadmus and others, and Dionysus ascts like a spoilt child not given enough attention.
