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! Run

The next scene brings Pentheus and Dionysus face to face. Pentheus starts the conversation thinking he has the upper hand because he has more power over the situation. 'Untie his hands. Now I have him in my net, no amount of agile tricks can help him slip away' (25). However, it is clear to the audience that Dionysus is in control. He is provoking Pentheus by responding with quick, saucy remarks. 'Those who look for filth, can find at the height of noon' (28). Pentheus becomes frustrated. He needs to feel in control so he begins to hurl threats at Dionysus, 'I'll throw you in my dungeon.' Throughout this scene, Dionysus drops numerous hints that he is indeed the son of Zeus, 'He (Dionysus) is here now. He sees what is being done to me' (29). He forewarns Pentheus, 'The God himself will set me free....let fools be warned, place no chains on me' (30). Pentheus rejects these omens and throws Dionysus in prison. In return, Dionysus destroys his palace, bringing it 'crash!

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.

Pentheus is still in denial of the power of Dionysus, even while given ample evidence to think otherwise. Dionysus, somehow, is willing to give him one more chance. He proposes to bring the women back 'without

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, ignorant stubborn, 'old fools', pentheus rejects, mount cithaeron, divine powers, pentheus ignorant stubborn,
Approximate Word count = 1032
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)