Democracy and Nature in Euripides' The Bacchae

The Bacchae embodies two different trajectories and variations of themes when presented first by Euripides and later interpreted by Soyinka, with a similarly acknowledged focus placed in the importance of the induction of nature into future social formations and the key differentiating emphasis on the social influence of early urban democratic philosophy. The godly Asian entity of Bacchus represents primal desire, celebration, and a return to nature. These are all dangerous ideas in ancient Greece, which is one of the first literary (and historical) examples of a city setting detached from nature which adheres to strict democratic principals. In the context of the play, Bacchus was a sort of personification of a final opportunity for mankind to evolve in the same direction and at the same pace as nature, with Pentheus representing cold, hierarchical urban order one the one hand and the Bacchae embodying natural, sensual chaos on the other. In Soyinka's translation of the play, the Chorus, which serves as a mouthpiece to voice the morality of the audience, is replaced by slaves under the cruel command of Pentheus and his soldiers. This maneuver by Soyinka appears subtle initially, but is crucial when considering a modern interpretation of Euripides' intention when constructing the play around 408 BC.

Future possibilities for human development in ancient Greece are condensed into two polarized groups by Euripides: the new democratic cityscape and the intertwining of humanity and nature. It seems Euripides is criticizing city life by having Bacchus, a representative of nature personified, present only to smile and watch man pervert the features of urban existence because of his own confusion. Pentheus floods his own home, humiliates himself in woman's clothing, quarrels with his own livestock, cannot operate his own inventions (handcuffs/chains, swords, etc) and finally loses the ability to control his own servants. The Bacchae however, frolic in the wilderness and find all their needs satisfied out of their own respect of nature in relation to themselves. With this contrast, Euripides invokes a kind of prophetic warning that man will outdo himself as he leaves nature behind. If Pentheus represents an endorsement of early urban philosophies, democratic ideals, and the hubris of man in relation to Nature, then it is no surprise that Soyinka would choose to portray him having command over the Chorus, transforming them into abused slaves. By definition then, in Soyinka's own interpretation, Democratic institutions and modes of thought sought to enslave the opinions of the people in ancient Greece. Soyinka also gives the slaves elaborate songs as well as the Bacchae, articulating the desire of the democratic subjects to adopt some of the radical ideals of Bacchus and his followers.