Ascend - The Great Books Podcast
Episode: Madness and Piety: A Discussion on The Bacchae Part I
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Overview

In this compelling episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, hosts Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan, along with guest Dr. Frank Grabowski, delve into the intricate layers of Euripides' The Bacchae. They explore themes of madness, piety, divine identity, and the tension between rationality and passion within the context of this Greek tragedy. The discussion also draws parallels between The Bacchae and other significant works, including Plato's Symposium and Euthyphro, as well as Christian theological concepts.

Introduction to The Bacchae

[00:00] Deacon Harrison Garlick:
Deacon Garlick introduces The Bacchae as a "chilling yet captivating Greek tragedy" that interrogates themes such as piety, erotic desire, divinity, and societal order. He highlights Dionysus, the protagonist, who transforms from the jovial wine god of Homer into a more complex and often cruel deity, worshipped through madness and bestiality.

Key Points:

• Dionysus' Transformation: From a playful god to a figure embodying cruelty and madness.
• Ambiguity of Morality: The play presents moral ambiguity, fostering rich discussions.
• Connection to Western Thought: Acts as a precursor to Plato's Symposium and influences Western spirituality and philosophy.
• Parallels to Christian Theology: Notable similarities between Dionysus and Jesus Christ, especially regarding prophetic rejection in their hometowns.

Discussion on Piety and Religion

[02:36] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
Dr. Grabowski shares his positive experiences over the summer, emphasizing moral and spiritual growth. He mentions his involvement in a spiritual retreat, highlighting the personal impact of engaging deeply with philosophical and religious texts.

[04:02] Deacon Harrison Garlick:
Garlick discusses the integration of the Great Books into the formation of Catholic clerics, noting that many participants are first-time readers of works like The Iliad. He underscores the importance of reading these texts in a group setting to enhance understanding and appreciation.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Frank Grabowski [09:43]:
"The nearly questions here. That's why we read the great books, right? There's, there's these perennial questions and commentaries on the human condition."

Key Themes:

• Group Reading Benefits: Enhances comprehension through multiple perspectives.
• Integration with Formation Programs: Utilized in diaconate formation to deepen intellectual and spiritual insights.
• Critique of Religion: The Bacchae is examined as both a critique and a praise of Dionysian cults, reflecting Euripides' complex stance on the divine.

Euripides and His Context

[12:24] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
Dr. Grabowski provides historical context, noting that Euripides lived during the Peloponnesian War and died in exile in 406 BC. He emphasizes the play's reception, its incomplete preservation, and Euripides' reputation as a critic of traditional pantheons.

Key Points:

• Historical Background: Euripides' life during the Peloponnesian War and his voluntary exile.
• Play's Legacy: The Bacchae won first prize in Athens but survives only in an incomplete form.
• Critique of Traditional Religion: Euripides often questioned the established gods, evident in his portrayal of Dionysus.

Notable Quote:
Deacon Harrison Garlick [12:24]:
"This play has layers, bloody terrible layers, but it is certainly worth your time."

Themes of Madness and Divine Identity

[35:22] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
Dr. Grabowski introduces the complexity of Dionysus as both a new and fully divine figure, challenging traditional Greek gods. He raises questions about the nature of piety and the role of Dionysian cults in destabilizing societal order.

[39:43] Deacon Harrison Garlick:
Garlick explores the transformation of Dionysus from Homeric references to a more fearsome deity who enacts cruelty without empathy. This shift symbolizes a challenge to the established order and rationality (logos).

Key Themes:

• Disordered Erotics vs. Rationality: Dionysus embodies a form of love (eros) that deviates from rational, ordered ascension towards the divine.
• Gender Confusion: Dionysus and his followers display gender fluidity, challenging traditional roles and identities.
• Punishment and Disproportionality: The severe punishments meted out by Dionysus raise questions about justice and divine authority.

Notable Quote:
Deacon Harrison Garlick [42:48]:
"I have been trying to get through it. It's a slog because it's just like his notes collected and an interpretive essay."

Comparison to Christian Theology

[59:27] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
The hosts draw analogies between The Bacchae and Christian narratives, such as Christ's interactions before Pilate and the Beatitudes. They discuss how Dionysus' challenges to piety mirror theological dilemmas addressed in the New Testament.

[124:15] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
A profound exploration of the Euthyphro dilemma emerges, questioning whether actions are pious because the gods approve them or if the gods approve them because they are inherently pious. This mirrors the theological discourse on the relationship between faith and reason.

Key Themes:

• Euthyphro Dilemma: The inherent conflict in defining piety and the basis of divine approval.
• Providence and Metaphysics: The search for an objective standard of goodness that transcends divine whims.
• Christianity vs. Dionysian Cults: Contrasting the structured, soul-ascending love in Christianity with the chaotic, identity-eroding love in Dionysian worship.

Notable Quote:
Deacon Harrison Garlick [131:04]:
"I think reading together in a group has, has been really, I think, so valuable in impressing upon the cohort and also those who attend your month meetups at your house that just how, you know, valuable it is for the individual to read the text and to bring his thoughts, his or her thoughts to the table."

Character Analysis: Pentheus and Tiresias

[73:01] Dr. Frank Grabowski:
Discussion shifts to the characters Pentheus and Tiresias, analyzing their roles and motivations. Pentheus represents skepticism and rational resistance to Dionysian influence, while Tiresias embodies traditional piety and the struggle to reconcile rationality with divine madness.

[84:36] Deacon Harrison Garlick:
Pentheus' stubbornness is identified as a tragic flaw, leading to his downfall. His inability to recognize Dionysus as a genuine deity mirrors the tragic heroes of Greek mythology who are undone by their hubris or lack of insight.

Key Themes:

• Tragic Flaw: Pentheus' rigidity and skepticism prevent him from understanding the true nature of Dionysus, leading to his tragic end.
• Role of Tiresias: Acts as a mediator between rational thought and divine madness, yet his own ambiguities challenge the audience's perception of piety.
• Irony and Fate: The unfolding events highlight the inevitability of divine retribution and the futility of human resistance against divine will.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Frank Grabowski [110:05]:
"Tiresias brings a certain sort of sobriety to the table."
Deacon Harrison Garlick [124:36]:
"So eros is an ascent on the ladder of love... and dawning into this erotic mania that he just paints on Thebes is all tied to him showing them who he is and them coming to know him."

Conclusion and Future Discussions

As the episode concludes, Garlick and Grabowski reflect on the profound connections between The Bacchae and broader philosophical and theological discourses. They anticipate continuing the discussion in Part II and exploring Aristophanes' The Clouds and The Frogs, leading to a comprehensive roundtable on Greek plays and their enduring themes.

Key Points Ahead:

• Part II of The Bacchae: Further exploration of the tragedy's themes and resolutions.
• Transition to Aristophanes: Examination of The Clouds and The Frogs to contrast comedic and tragic representations of Athenian society.
• Roundtable Discussions: Integrating insights from multiple plays to uncover overarching themes about human nature and divine interaction.
• Plato and Beyond: Connecting the discussions to Plato's dialogues and their influence on Western thought.

Notable Quote:
Deacon Harrison Garlick [145:57]:
"Tiresias is trying to do something here to legitimize the cult, but it doesn't seem to be working."

Resources and Further Engagement

Listeners are encouraged to visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for access to additional guides and resources. Supporters can engage further through Twitter, Facebook, and Patreon, where exclusive content and deeper analyses are available.

Upcoming Topics:

• Aristophanes' Plays: The Clouds and The Frogs
• Roundtable on Greek Plays: Themes of suffering, virtue, providence, and fate across different authors.
• Plato's Dialogues: Transitioning into philosophical discussions influenced by Greek tragedies.

Ascend - The Great Books Podcast continues to provide insightful and intellectually stimulating discussions, bridging ancient texts with contemporary philosophical and theological inquiries. Join Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan each week as they explore the foundational works that have shaped Western civilization.