A review by ed_moore
The Bacchae by Euripides

dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Euripides’ ‘The Bacchae’ is a classical play telling the arrival of Dionysus to the city of Thebes, angered by the lack of worship he was receiving in the city. It is recognised as a Greek tragedy, as it relates to the fall of the house of Cadmus, though honestly I read it as an endorsement to alcoholism which was amusing and not something I frequently see, though also not entirely agreeable! The women of Thebes proving as an antagonistic force, worshipping Dionysus in a drunken frenzy, though it having a positive portrayal as Dionysus serves as the protagonist figure. It was translated to read easily and was engaging, though a general criticism of most greek tragedies, also applicable in the case of ‘The Bacchae’ is that the primary action sequence and tragic climax of the play is told through a messenger rather than occurring on stage.