Oppression Of Women In Euripides The Bacchae

Euripides’ The Bacchae is a famous Greek tragedy uniquely centered around the god Dionysus. Written in 405 BC, this play follows Dionysus' return to Thebes to avenge slander toward his late mother from his aunt. In short, to best disprove the lies put forth by his aunts, Dionysus seeks to show that he is a god by introducing the Dyonsisian rites to the city. Through the introduction of these rights, the play demonstrates many opposing traits between those who partake in the rites and those who abstain and remain skeptical. These contradictions play on societal issues of ancient Greece, and look at issues such as foreigners and their growing influence in faith, how women are viewed and their roles in society and the breaking of traditional societal

Not only that, but he brings the Maenads, as well as foreign practices. Pentheus exclaims that “These Eastern hussies have come to our land, to seduce us with their mincing steps and make off with our men!" (Euripides, The Bacchae, 749). This proclamation by Pentheus reveals a deeper underlying fear that is common throughout many societies, in that there is a fear of foreigners bringing their influence to the land and taking away something from the people who live there. There is also a curiosity in Pentheus’ rejection of the Maenads, in that he acknowledges that they do have a certain seductive power to them that would be used to undermine the social order in Thebes. Pentheus also puts forth a sweeping order that he wants “all the foreign women driven out of our land” (Euripides, The Bacchae, 341). This aspect of foreign influence is certainly something that the Greeks would have been threatened by, especially those in power, like

Euripides' social commentary on the topic of the fear of foreign influence demonstrates how the Greeks feared other religions growing within society, as religion was a major factor of day to day life. However, it also comments on the growth of their own religion, since Dionysus is that of Greek descent, and was only foreign in appearance and ideas. Euripides further explored the role of women in religion, and society through the Bacchans, which allows the women to be liberated from societal and moral constraints. However, at the same time Euripides shows that if these tendencies are to remain unencumbered, it could upset the hierarchy and result in chaos, as it literally culminates in Agave ripping off Pentheus’ head. Furthering on that idea, Euripides condones the blatant hedonistic tendencies of the Bacchans, boiling it down to a mania, or madness. It shows that the Greeks would be threatened by a lifestyle that encourages a more hedonistic lifestyle, especially for women. Euripides also critiques the abandonment of religion and skepticism of the gods, as well as a blind following of religion, showing that it will lead to chaos through the use of agave and Pentheus. In the end, The Bacchae is well deserving of its praise, as it is both entertaining, but also a complex and nuanced look at changing societal values and norms in