Arrogance in "The Bacchae"

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the death of Pentheus in Euripides' play, "The Bacchae" and how it is justified due to his arrogance and self-righteousness. The paper shows how Pentheus' destruction serves as a warning against all who might find themselves beginning to think they control much, if anything at all.

From the Paper:

"In Euripides' play, The Bacchae, we learn the importance of remembering our humanity. In the Greek world, self-righteousness is something that is rarely tolerated and arrogance is never tolerated at all. When man comes up against a god and believes that he knows more and is better, there will be a price to pay. Pentheus' destruction is necessary for several reasons. It first must be demonstrated that man has no power over the gods. He is close-minded to any new ideas and this demonstrates his arrogance. In addition, he does not always act like a king in that he does not see mankind as he really is. His death is justified because he must be an example to all men that such arrogance is destructive. Dionysus has a lesson to teach and Pentheus is just the man he needs to do it."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Euripides The Bacchae. Bartleby Online. Site Accessed August 11, 2008. <http://www.bartleby.com/8/8/>

More papers on Arrogance in "The Bacchae":

• Analytical Essay # 53626 : "Bacchae" and "Oedipus Rex"
• Analytical Essay # 123223 : "Dionysus of 'The Bacchae'"
• Book Review # 128595 : "The Bacchae in "Death in Venice"

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