What's "Dionysian castration"?

Question

I am not sure if this belongs in "History" under Greek mythology, or perhaps even in "Psychology", but here it goes.

Michel Foucault: "To enter the gates of the maze is to enter a theater of Dionysian castration."

What's the relationship between Dionysis and castration? What did Foucault mean by this statement?

Answer 1

This question belongs here.

Foucault is talking about the ecstasy of submission, which is akin, in an effed up way, to the ecstasy of childhood, and also akin, in an even more effed up way, with human society.

Did you ever see a cartoon when you were a kid where the character was in a house of mirrors - there is a strange intoxication, a pleasure that you observe there in looking at the character in that situation: being suspended in a state of being without power, in a state of always being in view. You understand fundamentally this feeling.

If you want, read Nietzsche's "The Birth of Tragedy" for the Dionysian.

Foucault, "Discipline and Punish"

and Bataille's "Erotism"

Answer 2

The fear of castration (castration complex) was a common theme for the early Greeks. So much so, that the Oedipus complex became part of Freud's work in psychology.

The modern use of viagra and other medications is a commentary on the present day manifestation of impotence and castration for many men.

Answer 3

Dionysus was the Greek God of wine.
Dionysian castration is a state of impotence brought about by too much drinking.

Answer 4

i got this from wiki:

Dionysus or Dionysos
the Greek god of wine[citation needed], represents not only the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social and beneficial influences. He is viewed as the promoter of civilization, a lawgiver, and lover of peace

i would assume it is refering to that if you were to enter the gates of the maze, you would find a world/place that is without civilization and peace.

edit: or what opinionatedkitten said.