31 pages • 1 hour read
The Bacchae
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Book Brief
96
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
405
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Bacchae by Euripides depicts the god Dionysus returning disguised to his maternal city of Thebes to establish his cult and enact divine retribution on those who deny his divinity, particularly his aunts and mortal ruler Pentheus, leading to a tragic confrontation between mortal and divine power. Themes of duality, retribution, and the limits of human understanding are central to the play.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
22,885 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
The Bacchae by Euripides receives acclaim for its exploration of divine power and human frailty, showcasing the consequences of denying divinity. Critics laud its complex character development and enduring themes of ecstasy versus order. However, some find its choral passages dense and its supernatural elements less relatable by modern standards.
Who Should Read The Bacchae?
Lovers of Greek tragedy, mythology, and psychological drama will be captivated by Euripides' The Bacchae. Similar to readers of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and Aeschylus' Agamemnon, they appreciate complex characters and themes of divine retribution and human folly. Perfect for those intrigued by the interplay between civilization and primal instinct.
22,885 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pentheus
Pentheus
The ruler of Thebes and grandson of Cadmus, who is determined to suppress the Dionysian rites due to his concerns about social order and propriety.
Teiresias
Teiresias
A blind seer known for his wisdom, who urges Pentheus to accept the rites of Dionysus from the very beginning.
Agaue
Agaue
One of the four daughters of Cadmus and mother of Pentheus, who participates in the Dionysian rites with her sisters.
Cadmus
Cadmus
The founder of Thebes and grandfather to Pentheus, who supports Teiresias in advocating for the acceptance of Dionysus' divinity.
96
Play • Fiction
Thebes • Ancient Greece
405
Adult
18+ years
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