Day 1

The Bacchae Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    What is your first impression of Dionysus? What kind of god do you think he is? Is he good and just?

    Unlike contemporary Western conceptions of the Christian god, Greek gods were thought to be very humanlike and capable of having flawed human emotions. Initially, Dionysus seems to be a demanding and jealous god, but his desire to be recognized could be justified by his story of his birth and the rejection by his mortal family/home. The chorus's depiction of him paints him as generous.

  2. 2

    Why do you think Dionysus chose to drive the women, and not the men, of Thebes mad? Are women more prone to Dionysus's brand of worship?

    Dionysus says he drives the...

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