EXAMINING TIRESIAS IN EURIPIDES’ BACCHAE: A TRANS CLOSE READING

Abstract

42 pagesIn an effort to combat previous transphobic interpretations of drag in Euripides’ Bacchae, this paper centers Tiresias’ experience and performance gender transitivity rather than that of Pentheus, thus opening up a different perspective on gender variance in this play. A close reading of the Greek text is done to accomplish this, alongside including modern day gender theory for a specific viewpoint on the trans lens used for the text. The conclusion illuminates important parallels between Tiresias and Dionysus, including how Tiresias is follower, and teacher of the god Bacchus, and he is leader of fellow bacchants in the feminine garb and dance. His similarity to Dionysus is highlighted, along with his contrast to Pentheus. In his singular appearance in this play, Tiresias is not only a feminine bacchant in his dress and mannerisms, but also an instructor and prophet, unlike every other mortal man in Thebes he remains the only one to truly take Dionysus into his body