The Bacchae

In The Bacchae, Euripedes portrays the character of Pentheus as an ignorant, stubborn, and arrogant ruler. These character flaws accompanied with his foolish decisions set the stage for his tragic downfall. Pentheus' blatant disregard to all warnings and incidents, which prove that Dionysus is truly a god, lead him to his own death. In the end, his mistakes are unforgiving and his punishment is just.

Throughout the play, the audience cannot help but feel merciless towards Pentheus. In his opening scene, Pentheus does not heed the warnings bestowed upon him by Teiresias and Cadmus. Before Pentheus even meets Dionysus, Teiresias offers him wise advice:

'So, Pentheus listen to me. Do not mistake the rule of force for true power. Men are not shaped by force. Nor should you boast of wisdom, when everyone but you can see how sick your thoughts are. Instead, welcome this God to Thebes. Exalt 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, why say it? Why not call him one? You have everything to gain 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 senile folly rubbing off on me!'(21). This response alone reveals a great deal about his disposition. He will not let any '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 fatal end.

The next scene brings Pentheus and Dionysus face to face. Pentheus starts the conversation thinking he has the upper 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 control. 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 hurl threats at Dionysus, 'I'll throw you in my dungeon.' Throughout this scene, Dionysus drops numerous hints that he is indeed the son of Zeus, 'He (Dionysus) is here now. He sees what is being done to me' (29). He forewarns Pentheus, 'The God himself will set me freeÐ'....let fools be warned, place no chains on me' (30). Pentheus rejects these omens and throws Dionysus in prison. In return, Dionysus destroys his palace, bringing it 'crashing to the ground' (34). By this point, one would think Pentheus would realize his mistake, give in to Dionysus, and recognize his divine powers. However, Pentheus is too ignorant and stubborn to make the correct decision. At this point, the audience views Pentheus in a negative way and is able to see that the plot will not end well for Pentheus. The only suspense that Euripides leaves the audience waiting for is to see what further tragic mistakes Pentheus will make before his death.

Dionysus, rather mercifully, gives Pentheus one last chance to save himself from his horrible fate. This opportunity comes when a herdsman returns from Mount Cithaeron delivering his eyewitness version of the events he encountered. He proclaims the women

'cradled young gazelles or wild wolf cubs in their arms and fed them at their full-blown breasts that brimmed with milkÐ'...struck a rock and water gushed from it as cool as mountain snowÐ'...drove a stick into the ground and wine came bubbling upÐ'....scratched the soil lightly with their fingers and white