The Bacchae Essay -- essays research papers

In The Bacchae, Euripedes portrays the character of Pentheus as an ignorant, stubborn, and arrogant ruler. These character flaws accompanied with his inane decisions set the stage for his tragic downfall. Pentheus blatant disregard to all warnings and incidents, which nurture that Dionysus is truly a god, lead him to his own death. In the end, his mistakes are relentless and his punishment is just.      Throughout the play, the audience cannot athletic supporter but feel unmerciful towards Pentheus. In his opening scene, Pentheus does not heed the warnings bestowed upon him by Teiresias and Cadmus. Before Pentheus flat meets Dionysus, Teiresias offers him wise adviceSo, Pentheus listen to me. Do not mistake the rule of king for true power. Men are not shaped by force. Nor should you jactation of information, when allone but you can see how sick your thoughts are. Instead, wel come out this God to Thebes. cheer him with wine, garland your head and join the Bacchic revels(19).Cadmus carefully tries to persuade his grandson by adding, For even if you are right and this God is not a God, wherefore say it? Why not call him one? You have everything to attain from such a lie(20). Pentheus shows no respect for the elderly or their wisdom by replying, Go Run to your Bacchic revels. I want none of your wild folly rubbing off on me(21). This response alone reveals a great deal about his disposition. He will not permit whatsoever old fools tell him what to do. However, it is ironic that Pentheus rejection of the advice of these old fools proves to be his first step towards his sinister end.      The next scene brings Pentheus and Dionysus face to face. Pentheus starts the conversation thinking he has the velocity hand because he has more power over the situation. Untie his hands. Now I have him in my net, no amount of agile tricks can help him slip away (25). However, it is clear to the audience that Dionysus is in co ntrol. He is provoking Pentheus by responding with quick, saucy remarks. Those who look for filth, can find at the height of noon (28). Pentheus becomes frustrated. He needs to feel in control so he begins to forward threats at Dionysus, Ill throw you in my dungeon. Throughout this scene, Dionysus drops numerous hints that he is then the son of Zeus, He (Dionysus) is here now. He sees what is being done to me (29). He for... ...gh. He has given Pentheus numerous warnings and opportunities to obey and worship him. Pentheus, due to his exceeding incompetence, has lose all of them. Because of his refusal to conform, he deserves punishment and it is a fate the audience has come to welcome. Dionysus now takes control over Pentheus and his all his actions. He humiliates Pentheus by bandaging him in womens dress and parading him throughout Thebes. Dionysus then leads him up to Mount Cithaeron where he is caught spying on the Bacchae by his crazed mother, Agave. She proceeds to tear hi m to shreds with her sheer hands. This is the end for Pentheus, and ultimately, due to his constant ignorance, a just death.Although the punishment whitethorn seem rather harsh, the audience is appeased by Pentheus death. Pentheus is incapable of making any sensible decisions. His arrogance and controlling nature is apparent in every action and choice he makes. Pentheus rejects so many hints and opportunities to corporealize Dionysus real identity. In his refusal to pick up the signals, he accepts his fate death by the hands of his own mother. It is almost as if his death, through his refusal to act sensibly, is a form of suicide.