Dionysus knows that because he is a foreign god, the Greeks do not accept him and are unaware of his rank. Instead of taking this information into consideration, Dionysus decides to prove his superiority by destroying Pentheus for disrespecting him. He seethes as he declares that "the city must learn...make mortal man approve of the fact that [He is] a god." (The Bacchae 397). This blatant challenge to humanity expresses Dionysus' desire to forcefully correct those who ignore his reputation as a god and to force their respect through fear and violence. This is further proven when he succeeds in his plan, tricking Agave into carrying out sparagmos on her own son, and becomes distraught at losing their son. Although Agave is a disciple of Dionysus, he gives her no mercy because Pentheus is his son and she must also be punished. As Cadmus begs for mercy, Dionysus refuses to listen to his pleas and insists on being punished. He tells Cadmus [that] he will be transformed into a serpent and that [his] wife, the daughter of Ares… will also take on a reptilian form. » (The Bacchae 453). Dionysus wishes to prove his nobility by punishing those he is nevertheless related to and showing no mercy. Dionysus was aware of Pentheus' lack of respect for him, and instead of proving himself, he chose to create a wicked and sadistic plan in which he could prove Pentheus his authority. Dionysus is seen using those near