Analysis Of Dionysus The Bacchae

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Dionysus appearing in The Bacchae is the embodiment of the challenge of ideals in ancient Athens. Ancient Greek societies were pervaded by two types of honor: dignity and respect. Although Dionysus exemplifies these two themes, he clashes with the rest of Athenian traditions. These conflicts with tradition are what make him the adversary of Athenian custom. He clearly is in conflict with Athenian views of age, divinity, and even gender. These contrasts were Euripides’ attempt to capture the facades of Athenian culture. The most prevailing perversion of Athenian custom in “The Bacchae” is the query of gender. For example, Dionysus’s orchestra of Bacchant supporters is solely compromised of women. He states, “Every woman in Thebes-the

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