Fourth Episode Summary

Pentheus comes out of the palace dressed as a bacchant and playing the part. Now he is eager to spy on the women and hopes to catch them at lovemaking. Dionysus mocks him by humoring him, and promises that Pentheus will return in the arms of his mother. Pentheus replies, "I take what I deserve."

Fourth Episode Analysis

This episode is rich with irony, for the Pentheus' mother certainly will carry him home. His mother will carry his head as a trophy. From the perspective of the gods, Pentheus speaks correctly when he says he will get what he deserves.