Bacchae Scholarship Flashcards
J. Mossman on Dionysus’ character
Dionysus has a dual nature his influence creates wonderful supernatural events but also violent events
J. Mossman on the dynamic between Dionysus and Pentheus
In the 2nd meeting its striking to see how much power Dionysus exerts over Pentheus
Renshaw and Swift on the nature of tragedy
From a modern perspective, a distinct feature of tragic drama is the uncaring attitude of the Gods
Renshaw and Swift on the power and morality of the Gods
The power of the Gods surpasses that of mortals and so does their anger. The Gods punish transgressions against them with disproportionate violence.
Renshaw and Swift on punishment from Gods
Punishments meted by gods are not limited to the wrongdoer
Renshaw and Swift on Dionysiac worship
Dionysiac worship while beautiful, is in opposition to the norms of everyday life. The play depicts the breakdown of social codes- women leaving their homes to worship Dionysus.
E. Hall on relationships within the play
Main relationship in the play is between cousins Dionysus and Pentheus but at the end of the play the tragedy is focused on Agave
E. Hall on the meaning of Bacchae
Bacchae is a play about theatre and a frightening depiction of Dionysus’ lack of pity for human suffering
E. Hall on themes in Bacchae
Vision and the desire to see, is a key theme in the play
Verral on Euripides as an athiest
Euripides is an athiest who upholds the value of an ordered state, presenting the dangers of religion and foreign cults. Dionysus is a character who doesn’t deserve respect.
Dodds on Dionysian worship
Euripides celebrates uninhibited Dionysian passion and pleasure. Pentheus suffers because he’s a puritan, suppressing emotions and feelings.
Stuttard
Bacchae is one of Euripides’ most disturbing plays
