gods and the end (harrison)

In retribution for his having violated the realm that lies behind the world of appearances, Artemis brings about Actaeon's change of appearance, while leaving his human essence intact.... In the process of external metamorphosis, he comes to realize that his own inner identity is superfluous in a realm governed by appearances. (25)

Tragic wisdom had given way to the triumphalistic claims of Socratic philosophy-- its love of an abstract nontragic wisdom that looked contemplation -- not Dionysian suffering-- for its fulfillment. [Turning against the vegetative and animal origins of life, Socrates idealized and formalized the essence of truth.] (38)

- from Forests: The Shadow of Civilization by Robert Pogue Harrison