In Soyinka’s The Bacchae of Euripides. A Communion Rite, the Dionysus character is described as

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Restating the question and options:
- Question: In Soyinka’s The Bacchae of Euripides. A Communion Rite, the Dionysus character is described as
- Options:
  1) “effeminate” like the Dionysus character in Euripides’ play.
  2) of a more ‘masculine’ beauty, full of “rugged strength.”
 3) a “hermaphrodite,” with both male and female characteristics.

Option 1 analysis:
- The claim that Dionysus is described as effeminate echoes a classical paradox often discussed in Euripidean or Bacchic adaptations, where Dionysus possesses both masculine and feminine qualities in different contexts. However, in Soyinka’s reinterpretation, this specific phrasing does not align with the text’s emphasis on a robust, masculine archetype rather than effeminacy. Therefore, this option misrepresents the intended portrayal.

Option 2 analysis:
- This choice presents Dionysus as being described with a masculine beauty and rugged strength. In Soyinka’s version, the portrayal emphasizes a formidable, unapologetically robust presence, aligning with a reading that highlights power, vitality, and a physique or aura of strength. This framing is consistent with Soyinka’s staging of Dionysian force as intense and commanding, making this option compatible with the source material.

Option 3 analysis:
- Describing Dionysus as a hermaphrodite—blending male and female characteristics—would suggest a synthesis of gendered traits. While Dionysus myths sometimes explore transgressive or boundary-crossing identities, this particular description does not match the emphasis found in Soyinka’s text, which leans more toward masculine vigor rather than a hybrid or dual-gender portrayal.

Summarizing the options:
- Option 1 posits effeminacy, which contradicts the intended emphasis on strength. 
- Option 3 foregrounds a hermaphroditic attribute, which diverges from the described rugged masculine beauty. 
- Option 2 presents a description of masculine beauty and rugged strength, which best fits the portrayal described in Soyinka’s work.

In light of these analyses, the reasoning supports that the description in option 2 most accurately reflects Soyinka’s depiction of the Dionysus character in The Bacchae of Euripides. The other options conflict with the text’s emphasis on forceful, masculine qualities and, respectively, on effeminacy or hermaphroditic characteristics.

COM LIT 60A LEC A: WOR... Reading Comprehension Quiz #9 on Soyinka, The Bacchae of Euripides. A Communion Rite

In Soyinka’s The Bacchae of Euripides. A Communion Rite, the Dionysus character is described as

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