The Bacchae + the human psyche

Euripides’ play The Bacchae is an exploration of the complexities of the human psyche. Set in ancient Greek times, the playwright strips away the layers that humans often embellish themselves with, in order to examine the true nature of a human being. Through the personalities of Dionysus and Pentheus, in particular, Euripides asserts that human nature is complex, as it is comprised of two contradictory forces- rationality and irrationality. He acknowledges that while order and logic are crucial in a functioning society, they can also be stifling. Likewise, while embracing sensuality, which can offer release and freedom, it too can be destructive. Euripides’ tragic play thus explores whether there is space for this irrationality in a well structured and ordered society. While the playwright does not come to a conclusion, he acknowledges that there are layers in the condition of being human and suggests that a balance needs to be achieved in order to live a satisfying life.
Euripides appears to understand that humans essentially require release from order and control. He affirms the need for a passionate and irrational side, which is depicted through the character of Dionysus and his Bacchic worship. Referred to in the opening ode as the “god of laughter”, Dionysus embodies freedom and ecstasy, offering his devotees wine, a “gift that charms all griefs away”. He is presented as youthful and seductive, attracting the Maenads through his sensual, “effeminate” beauty.
Euripides endorses the embracing of this passionate side by capturing the beauty of living in harmony with nature. An integral part of ancient Greek theatre, the Chorus, announces that the “earth flows with milk, flows with wine/ Flows with the nectar of bees”. The Chorus, thus describes all that is positive regarding Bacchic worship, through revealing a rich image of nature, abundance and fertility. This is portrayed in the “young gazelle” and “wild wolf-cub” to which the Maenads feed their “own