Throughout the play, the audience cannot help but feel merciless towards Pentheus. In his opening scene, Pentheus does not heed the warnings bestowed upon him by Teiresias and Cadmus. Before Pentheus even meets Dionysus, Teiresias offers him wise advice:

'So, Pentheus listen to me. Do not mistake the rule of force for true power. Men are not shaped by force. Nor should you boast of wisdom, when everyone but you can see how sick your thoughts are. Instead, welcome this God to Thebes. Exalt him with wine, garland your head and join the Bacchic revels'(19).

Cadmus carefully tries to persuade his grandson by adding, 'For even if you are right and this God is not a God, why say it? Why not call him one? You have everything to gain from such a lie'(20). Pentheus shows no respect for the elderly or their wisdom by replying, 'Go! Ru

Although the punishment may seem rather harsh, the audience is appeased by Pentheus' death. Pentheus is incapable of making any sensible decisions. His arrogance and controlling nature is apparent in every action and choice he makes. Pentheus rejects so many hints and opportunities to realize Dionysus' real identity. In his refusal to pick up the signals, he accepts his fate: death by the hands of his own mother. It is almost as if his death, through his refusal to act sensibly, is a form of suicide.

n to your Bacchic revels. I want none of your senile folly rubbing off on me!'(21). This response alone reveals a great deal about his disposition. He will not let any 'old fools' tell him what to do. However, it is ironic that Pentheus' rejection of the advice of these 'old fools' proves to be his first step towards his fatal end.

He then tells how Agave saw them spying and all the women went crazy. One woman could 'sink her nails into a cow, with its udders full, and lift it, bellowing, high above her head.' The herdsman 'barely escaped being torn to pieces by these God-struck maenads' (41). Pentheus hears this story and immediately orders to gather the army to 'march against the bacchae' (42). What Pentheus does not understand is that the Bacchae only revolted because they thought they were in danger. The women were peacefully performing their rituals, until they felt threatened. Pentheus, still so ignorant, thinks he can defeat the Bacchae with an army, and force them to return. We yet again, find Pentheus ready to confront divine powers with mere mortal ones. It is ob

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mount Cithaeron, Pentheus Dionysus, Bacchae Euripedes, Dionysus Pentheus, Run Bacchic, Dionysus Teiresias, Thebes Exalt, God Why, Cadmus Pentheus, pentheus ignorant, Thebes Dionysus, pentheus rejects, ignorant stubborn, mount cithaeron, divine powers, 'old fools', pentheus ignorant stubborn,
Approximate Word count = 1074
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)