Hmmm... the Greek tragedy 'The Bacchae' addresses the fate of a society which suppresses "anger" as she suggests. Suspiciously, it was not mentioned in Nussbaum's presentation. In the play, Thebes suppresses the less civil realities of earthly life until they punch back. Dionysus and the Furies unleash madness on Thebes as a result.

In this presentation, the furies are being distilled into little more than representations of anger which is quite simplistic and raises many contextual issues. In short, they are better contextually understood as representing earthly Dionysian vengeance, maybe we can say 'ugly truth' although I am uncomfortable with the tone this description has. The furies are 'chthonic' or 'of the earth.' They are associated with death and the more primordial makings of life itself.

Interpretations of Greek mythology abound and on the surface, this seems like one of the less thoughtful ones I have come across. I am noting it, however, and am curious how she defends these angles throughout her works. Please share if anyone has an explanation. I am less than anxious to buy her books.