Bacchae by Euripides revolves around Dionysus, the god of wine, and his pursuit to establish himself as a god not only acknowledged, but also worshiped by the people of Thebes. While attempting to make a name for himself, Dionysus also strives to punish those who deny him and make a laughing stock of his and his mother’s name. In particular, Dionysus is out to get his own family because they have turned on him. Among these family members is Pentheus, the king of Thebes, who has forbidden the worship of Dionysus in Thebes. As anticipated, by the end of the play, Dionysus fully pays his family back for their betrayal, but also simultaneously causes both characters in the play and some readers, myself included, to question the cruelty of his actions.
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In Bacchae, this aspect of warning is demonstrated when Dionysus, disguised as a stranger, states, “Dionysus will punish / you [Pentheus] for these insults” (516-517). Before the play’s ending, Dionysus holds true to his warnings and refuses to ease up. In response to Dionysus’ actions, Cadmus recognizes what he and his family has done by stating, “Dionysus, hear our prayer. We have done wrong” (1344), but despite his acknowledgement, Cadmus also adds, “you [Dionysus] are too severe in prosecuting us” (1346). Dionysus’ reply to Cadmus is simply that “[y]ou [Cadmus] learned too late” (1345). This ending scene of Bacchae displays that though Cadmus finally realizes his family’s wrongdoing, Dionysus refuses to change his mind and instead holds Cadmus accountable for his actions. Moreover, if this final scene of Dionysus’ retaliation is compared to the Judgement Day of humankind, then the connection between Dionysus and God is further magnified. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” According to this verse along with numerous other verses found in the Bible, God is going to hold humans accountable for their actions and execute the consequences no matter how harsh the punishment may seem. Therefore, even though Dionysus and God may seem like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, they are actually much closer than one may initially
In Bacchae, this aspect of warning is demonstrated when Dionysus, disguised as a stranger, states, “Dionysus will punish / you [Pentheus] for these insults” (516-517). Before the play’s ending, Dionysus holds true to his warnings and refuses to ease up. In response to Dionysus’ actions, Cadmus recognizes what he and his family has done by stating, “Dionysus, hear our prayer. We have done wrong” (1344), but despite his acknowledgement, Cadmus also adds, “you [Dionysus] are too severe in prosecuting us” (1346). Dionysus’ reply to Cadmus is simply that “[y]ou [Cadmus] learned too late” (1345). This ending scene of Bacchae displays that though Cadmus finally realizes his family’s wrongdoing, Dionysus refuses to change his mind and instead holds Cadmus accountable for his actions. Moreover, if this final scene of Dionysus’ retaliation is compared to the Judgement Day of humankind, then the connection between Dionysus and God is further magnified. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, “we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” According to this verse along with numerous other verses found in the Bible, God is going to hold humans accountable for their actions and execute the consequences no matter how harsh the punishment may seem. Therefore, even though Dionysus and God may seem like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, they are actually much closer than one may initially