Niyati Sareen Xavier Bau-Tremblay - 016 2023-02-13

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Euripides’ Bacchae presents a psychological exploration of the conflict between Pentheus and
Dionysus, two characters that represent the extremes of control and freedom. By showcasing
their contrasting personalities, Euripides discusses the human psyche. Pentheus, the king of
Thebes, is an allegory of control and suppression, representing the desire to be in charge of a
situation and to conform to societal standards. On the other hand, Dionysus is an exemplum of
freedom and ecstasy. Acting as a symbol of liberation and unrestrained power, he represents the
chaotic, instinctual side of human nature and the desire to live in the moment and explore the
possibilities of life. Through the clash between these two characters, Euripides illustrates the
tension between order and chaos, which fight for dominance and characterize human nature.

Both Pentheus and Dionysus want to establish their power over Thebes; however, their approach
conflict with each other. Pentheus seeks to control and order in a frenzied city. Alternatively,
Dionysus encouraged his followers to abandon all restraint and revel in their passion and
creativity. Pentheus attempts to suppress the followers of Dionysus and believes that allowing
the Bacchic cult to progress would lead to chaos. He detests the idea of women roaming around
freely in the woods as he believes that it goes against the supposedly proper conduct of women.
Pentheus states that an "effeminate foreigner has corrupted the women of Thebes” (p. 308).
Clearly showing that he is opposed to change and adheres to the status quo.

The potential smile on the mask of the actor playing Dionysus adds another layer of
psychological exploration. This has a significant impact on the audience and the characters. The
smile could represent the chaotic nature of Dionysus and the freedom that Pentheus is ultimately
unable to control leading to his defeat. The smile also strengthens the idea of power held by god
and the ultimate freedom he embodies. Pentheus can be seen as representing man’s desire to
control and suppress his own desires and impulses, while Dionysus is the embodiment of man’s
inherent need to express himself and experience freedom. Thus the presence of the smiling
Dionysus mask not only highlights the stark contrast between the two characters but ultimately
serves as a reminder to the audience of the power of freedom and the importance of embracing
it.

Pentheus is shown to be vain and arrogant and the old seer Tiresias describes Pentheus’s
principal fault well when he says, "do not be too confident that / sovereignty is what rules men
nor if you hold an opinion, take that opinion for good sense." In the end, Pentheus’s refusal to
accept Dionysus and illicit desire to see the maenads leads to his downfall. Eventually, he is
killed by his own mother, thus indicating that power, when misused can lead to chaos and
destruction. The play ultimately suggests that only through a balance between control and
freedom, a man can live in harmony with himself.