- 1
What irony is there in Dionysus saying "I shall not be touched to rage. Wise men know constraint: our passions are controlled" (641-2)?
This is an ironic thing for Dionysus to say just after dramatically destroying the palace. Dionysus and his religion seem to be the embodiment of uncontrolled passions--of letting emotion lead in decision-making. Dionysus's whole purpose in coming to Thebes is propelled by his anger at being discounted. This is not to say, though, that Pentheus represents control--he is just as excitable as his cousin.
- 2
Why do you think Dionysus continues to disguise himself as a mortal?
Dionysus's mission in Thebes was never about...
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