Examples Of Dionysis In The Bacchae

The clearest example of hubris in The Bacchae is how Pentheus behaves through the entire storyline. Initially, Pentheus refuses to believe and respect that Dionysis is indeed a god. His remarks are immediately backlashed by the Chorus and is advised by Tiresias and Cadmus to show respect, “Even were this god no god, as you insist, tell yourself he is… (page 90)” Tiresias warns how Dionysis has the ability to possess people. However, Pentheus is too suborn to listen and rejects the advice of these wise men. “I don't want your foolishness wiped off on me.”, Pentheus declares, “Your feeble-minded preacher will reap what he deserves. (page 90)” Thus Pentheus' development as a fool begins. When Pentheus meets Dionysus in disguise, he once again demonstrates hubris and shows a lack of respect. He inspects Dionysus as if he were a slave. Dionysus too warns Pentheus, “To the foolish ear the wise speak foolishly (page 94)” Again, Pentheus does not think reasonably and locks up the god. Again he is blinded by his own self-confidence. He does not think it is possible for there to be a new god, even though respected men have advised otherwise. Dionysus retaliates by burning down Pentheus'
Although most of the story was about Petheus' stupidity, we learn that there was in fact a bigger picture. As Cadmus explains Agave was also being punished, “You bristled with rank hubris: you denied his deity (page 121)” Cadmus continues to explain that Dionysus has punished the entire family for their blasphemy. Unlike Pentheus, Cadmus realized his error. Unfortunately, he realized too late. He begs, “Have mercy, Dionysus, we have sinned. (page 124)” His pleads, were quickly rejected. Dionysus has already punished the family by destroying the lineage and driving his mother to kill her own son. This final scene shows the true power behind Dionysus. He was always a force to be