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Euripides, Bakchai 877–81 = 897–901

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2013

Valdis Leinieks
Valdis Leinieks
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Extract

The correct interpretation of these lines significantly affects our understanding of the attitude of Dionysiac worshippers towards violence. If the chorus is here saying that power over one's enemies is the best possible gift from the gods and furthermore that this statement constitutes wisdom, violence and vindictiveness are essential ingredients of Dionysiac religion. If, on the other hand, they are renouncing power over their enemies, Dionysiac religion is essentially peaceful and non-aggressive. The first interpretation, that triumph over one's enemies is the greatest gift and that knowing this constitutes wisdom, is the popular view at the present time. It is the interpretation which is found in all current English translations of the play, including those of Arrowsmith and Kirk. It is also the view of several scholars who have undertaken a detailed study of the passage. These include Dodds, Winnington-Ingram, and Arthur. Others who have studied the passage have reached the opposite conclusion, that the greatest gift consists of caution and respect, which in turn lead to restraint and avoidance of violence. These include Blake, Festugière, and Roux. The aim of this paper is to reach a greater degree of certainty concerning the meaning of the passage by a close examination of the grammatical constructions.

Type
Notes
Information
The Journal of Hellenic Studies , Volume 104 , November 1984 , pp. 178 - 179
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies 1984

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References

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