How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Paul Roche's translation.
Quote #10
Agave:
"I've deserted loom and shuttle
and gone on to greater things
to wild beast hunting with bare hands." (261)
This statement seems to point out how deeply entrenched patriarchy, or male domination, was in ancient Greek society. Agave is proud of the fact that she's deserted "womanly" duties and has taken on "manly" ones. Weren't both roles equally as valuable and necessary to society?
Quote #11
Agave:
"I seem to be becoming…somehow…aware.
Something in my mind is changing. […]
No…no…It's Pentheus' head I hold…
most wretched woman!" (284)
Agave's final transformation yields an unpleasant surprise. She's now gone from triumphant warrior priestess to a murderer. To make matters worse, she's murdered her own child. What's interesting about Agave's case is that her transformations have existed only in the realm of her own perception.