本能与习俗的冲突--评析古希腊悲剧《酒神的女祭司们》

古希腊悲剧家欧里庇得斯的剧作《酒神的女祭司们》生动地展现了本能和习俗的冲突。象征本能的酒神狄俄尼索斯,在底比斯确立自己的宗教,使信徒放纵狂欢,并残忍地摧毁异己。底比斯王潘索尔斯竭力对抗狄俄尼索斯,维护传统习俗,最后走向毁灭。从另一个角度看,对立的双方又是彼此的另一个自我。一个人只有保持本能和习俗的平衡,才能把握自己,达到内心的安宁,享有真正的自由。

Instincts vs. Institutions: Euripides' The Bacchae

The Bacchae, a play by the Greek tragedian Euripides, shows a dramatic view of the confrontation between instincts and institutions. Dionysus, a symbol of life instincts and death instincts, establishes his own religion in Thebes and lets his followers indulge in his excessive instinctive activities, and destroys his antagonists. The king of Thebes, Pentheus, tries his best to oppose Dionysus and defend tradition and institutions, and eventually comes to his destruction. From another perspective, Dionysus and Pentheus are each other's alter ego. Only when one maintains a good balance between instincts and institutions, can he achieve his self-control, becomes master of himself, and enjoys true freedom.