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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
Although the punishment may seem rather harsh, the audience is appeased by Pentheus' death. He humiliates Pentheus by dressing him in women's dress and parading him throughout Thebes. drove a stick into the ground and wine came bubbling up. His arrogance and controlling nature is apparent in every action and choice he makes. The women were peacefully performing their rituals, until they felt threatened. In return, Dionysus destroys his palace, bringing it 'crash!ing to the ground' (34). Pentheus rejects these omens and throws Dionysus in prison. He will not let any 'old fools' tell him what to do. However, it is clear to the audience that Dionysus is in control. It is almost as if his death, through his refusal to act sensibly, is a form of suicide. We yet again, find Pentheus ready to confront divine powers with mere mortal ones. scratched the soil lightly with their fingers and white streams flowed, while from their ivy-crested wands sweet honey dripped like sparkling dew' (40-41). By this point, one would think Pentheus would realize his mistake, give in to Dionysus, and recognize his divine powers. This is the turning point of the play.
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Acceptance Essays
