In Euripides’ Bacchae, the verbal clash between Pentheus and Tiresias does not occur until some way into the drama.ģ 511–12 cognita… ingens. This initial briskness stands in contrast to the elements of ‘slow-mo’ that Ovid will soon introduce (and which make up the lion’s share of the set text): the speeches of Pentheus and of Acoetes. 1This brief but complex section includes: (i) transition from the previous story, the tale of Narcissus, whose fate the seer Tiresias unerringly foretold (ii) introduction of the next character destined for doom on Thebes’ killing fields: the young king Pentheus, the only one left to scorn Tiresias (iii) Tiresias’ anticipation of events to come: the clash between Pentheus and Bacchus (in essence also an encapsulation of Euripides’ tragedy Bacchae).ĢThe narrative speeds along here: Tiresias’ prediction of Bacchus’ arrival and its fulfilment come in quick succession.
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