Read pp. 90-96 (for Thurs.); Journal due (see section below)

Dionysus' dress, body type, and hair indicate clues as to the characteristics he stands for (and therefore why Pentheus will find it so difficult to accept him as a god) . His speech provides exposition: what has happened in the past (initiating events that set up the conflict). The conflict centers on recognition of Dionysus as a god. In our terms, that translates to recognizing the kind of qualities that Dionysus represents (what Pentheus- and we- are unwilling or unable to recognize as powerful). Pentheus stands for most strong leaders in the West today (as well as most of us). Try to identify the qualities that Dionysus stands for and why we view them as we do.

The Chorus is a group of women who are true believers in Dionysus (also called Bromius and Bacchus). They follow him because he is their "savior"/lord/ master- they are disciples. Since they are from Asia, they are called Asian Bacchae (the "ae" means female followers of Bacchus). Since they are disciples, what they say helps us understand the things Dionysus "stands for" or represents. Underline phrases that indicate seeming threats to what we think of as "civilization". Also underline words or phrases that seem to contradict each other (like "purity" and "orgies").

The Asian Bacchae differ from the Theban Bacchae: the latter are the women of Thebes. They at first refused to worship Dionysus, and Dionysus then sent "stampeding out of doors." They are now up in the hills. Among them are Pentheus' mother and two aunts. We have not yet seen them, but we will have them described to us.

Cadmus and Tiresias are the only men who are "worshippers." What do they have in common in addition? They also differ from each other, in that they worship for different reasons and will therefore come to different ends.

Pentheus' first entrance summarizes his values (where he's coming from) and the qualities that make him a respected leader. Underline key phrases that indicate his values and way of thinking.

Journal: Answer the following questions, supporting your answers with specifics from the text.

(Type, double-spacing, or write in ink. Leave margins and do not write on the back; if you run over one page, use a second page)

1. What, in Pentheus' first speech shows that he has the typical characteristics that we admire in a leader? (This entails saying what characteristics we admire in a leader and then supporting with some kind of evidence from the text.)

2. What characteristics (judging by Dionysus' dress, etc., and the words of the Bacchae) imply that Dionysus might represent qualities dangerous to the state? (Negative labels like "immorality" aren't useful here; you need more specific things, for instance, would drumbeats seem dangerous and if so why? Would dressing with skins? What other things? What do words like "frenzy" suggest?)

3 (optional). Do Pentheus' actions in any way contradict the very qualities his words indicates that he values?