The Bacchae
Uploaded by jamie83 on Oct 26, 2011
This paper discusses Euripides’ play, and the ways in which Dionysus’ actions can be considered theatrical. (4 pages; 1 source; MLA citation style)
I Introduction
Like most classic Greek tragedy, The Bacchae is relevant today, millennia after Euripides wrote it. Its relevance stems from its consideration of the consequences of blindly following a god, and the evils that result from religious frenzy.
Dionysus (often called Bacchus) is the god of wine, but he is also the patron god of theater. This paper will explore the theatrical aspects of the play.
II Discussion
The inherent theatricality of the play is apparent from the beginning. The first character to appear is Dionysus himself, who does not reveal his true identity; he is, in effect, in disguise—an old theatrical trick. From the first it’s apparent that Dionysus cannot be trusted. Like all actors, he will present illusion rather than truth if doing so serves his purpose.
Then he tells the audience of the terrible things he’s done, driving women mad and sending them into the mountains where they dance in a sort of divine rage in his honor. His description is theatrical in the extreme: “I've made them put on costumes, outfits appropriate for my mysteries.” (Line 41). “Costumes” and “outfits” indicate that the women are playing the role that Dionysus has devised for them. They are completely unaware of the way in which he is using them, as we see when Agave fails to recognize her son. They move as they are “inspired” to do by Dionysus, and they bear a strong resemblance to the actors in a play immersing themselves in their roles as they respond to the director’s commands.
As part of their outfits, the women carry a plant stalk known as a “thyrsus”. Often decorated with ivy, it completes the outfit and resembles nothing so much as a theatrical prop. In addition, the outfits are very specifically described as being made of deerskin, which again designates them as costumes, rather than ordinary attire.
Then too, the Bacchae live together in the mountains, rather than remaining in the city. The mountains thus become a sort of “stage”—a place set apart for the purpose of giving a performance. Dionysus underscores the importance of the mountains as a special arena reserved for his worship when he says he will fight the Thebans if they...