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The Divine Retribution: An Analysis of Euripides’ "Bacchae"

"Bacchae," a significant work by Euripides produced soon after 406 B.C., explores the themes of divinity and human pride through the character of Pentheus, who dismisses Dionysus as a god. The play presents a dramatic conflict culminating in divine punishment and madness. Key figures include Dionysus, Pentheus, Agave, Teiresias, and Cadmus, who navigate complex emotions and relationships. Richard Seaford's recent commentary, along with E.R. Dodds' older interpretations, provides valuable insights for understanding this haunting drama.

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The Divine Retribution: An Analysis of Euripides’ "Bacchae"

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  1. Euripides’ Bacchæ

  2. Important Names Dionysus (a.k.a. Bacchus, Bromius) Pentheus Agave Teiresias Cadmus Recent commentary by Richard Seaford Older commentary (keyed to the Greek) by E. R. Dodds Not part of a trilogy. Produced at the city Dionysia along with Iphigeneia at Aulis and Alcmeon. Date: posthumous, produced soon after 406 B.C. Plot: Pentheus denies Dionysus is a god. D. proves him wrong. Cf. Hypotheses. Bacchæ

  3. Plot Summary • I. Prologue by the god Dionysus (1-63). • A. Identity (1-3) • B. Birth (4-13) • C. Travels (14-19) • D. The situation at Thebes (20-38) • E. The future (39-55) • F. D summons the bacchæ (56-63) • II. Parodos; n.b. the ætiology (64-166)

  4. Plot Summary (cont.) • III. Dialogue between Cadmus, Teiresias, and Pentheus (167-369) • A. Teiresias summons Cadmus from the palace (167-177) • B. Cadmus and Teiresias discuss Dionysus and his cult (178-214) • C. Pentheus enters angry (215-262) • 1. On the bacchæ (215-232) • 2. On the new priest of bacchæ (233-247) • 3. To Cadmus (248-253) • 4. To Teiresias (254-262)

  5. Plot Summary (cont.) • D. Teiresias’ reply (266-328) • 1. On Pentheus (266-271) • 2. On the gift of Dionysus (271-286) • 3. On the birth of Dionysus; μέρος vs. μηρός (287-298) • 4. Other powers (298-309) • 5. Warning to Pentheus (309-328) • E. Cadmus’ reply (329-343) • 1. Go along with it, m’boy (329-337) • 2. Remember Actæon (338-341)

  6. Plot Summary (cont.) • F. Pentheus refuses (343-358) • 1. Orders the seat of the prophet’s activity destroyed (343-351) • 2. Orders the priest arrested for execution, exits (352-358) • G. Teiresias’ final speech; he and Cadmus exit (358-369) • IV. 1st Stasimon (370-432)

  7. Plot Summary (cont.) • V. Pentheus vs. Dionysus I (433-519) • A. Dionysus led in by a servant (433-452) • 1. The arrest (433-444) • 2. The escape of the bacchæ (444-452) • B. Pentheus interrogates Dionysus (452-519) • VI. 2nd Stasimon (520-575) • VII. Epiphany of Dionysus (576-642) • A. Destruction of the Palace (576-603) • B. Dionysus as a mortal again (604-642)

  8. Plot Summary (cont.) • VIII. Pentheus vs. Dionysus II (643-659) • IX. First Messenger Speech: a cowherd (660-786) • A. The revel (660-714) • B. The ambush (714-750) • C. Attack of the women (751-768) • D. Advice for Pentheus (768-786) • X. Pentheus vs. Dionysus III (787-861) • A. Pentheus prepares war (787-810) • B. Pentheus falls under Dionysus’ spell (811-861)

  9. Plot Summary (cont.) • XI. 3rd Stasimon (862-911) • XII. Pentheus and Dionysus (912-976) • XIII. 4th Stasimon (977-1023) • XIV. 2nd Messenger Speech: Pentheus’ servant (1024-1152) • A. Dialogue between messenger and the chorus (1024-1042) • B. The slaying of Pentheus (1043-1152) • XV. 5th Stasimon (1153-1164)

  10. Plot Summary (cont.) • XVI. Exodus (1165-1392) • A. Dialogue between Agave and the chorus (1165-1215) • B. Dialogue between Cadmus and Agave (1216-1300) • C. “Funeral” of Pentheus (1301-1329) • D. Appearance of Dionysus (1330-1368) • E. Departure of Agave (1369-1388) • F. Choral Coda (1389-1394)

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