As we go on reading the Bacchae, the central struggle between Dionysus and Pentheus becomes more and more fleshed out. Each character has his own perspective and motivation in the struggle, and both are guilty of irrational thought and rash actions. What shines through though, is that each acts the way they do because of pride. Dionysus believes that he is owed recognition as he was shut out by his family for his whole life. Pentheus on the other hand, is too proud to be bothered and wants to retain his old traditions. He feels threatened by the loose, sinful lifestyle that Dionysus brings. As I was thinking about what to write in this post, I noticed a New York Times paper sitting next to me with a headline that read, “Clinton and Trump Begin Final Sprint to November.” It’s all too true that the ideals which lead to so much conflict in the Bacchae are still alive and well. At its core, the play recounts a political struggle containing themes that persist in the battle for governmental power today.
Dionysus is the god of wine, suggesting that he has a fun, relaxed air about him. However, this attribute also has its downsides. Wine can open the door to excess, misjudgment, and regret; some qualities that are later reflected in the damage he inflicts upon Pentheus’ kingdom (his ‘hangover’ if you will). Dionysus also disguises himself as the Stranger in order for Pentheus to let his guard down, a staple political strategy that continues daily. A politician will construct a platform based on helping voters, win their trust, and then go about a different agenda once in office. Pentheus, too echoes some of the common political concerns of the modern age. He has a very conservative idea of the world and is thoroughly unsettled by Dionysus’ gluttonous displays of partying and sexuality. I won’t go so far as to ascribe each of these characters to one of our current presidential candidates, but I will say that the political dynamics within this play are far from extinct.