Analysis of Prometheus Bound :: essays research papers

Like other works of the Classical Age, Prometheus Bound doesnt get in the beginning but leaps in medias res ("into the middle of things"), sound as Prometheus, a defiant demi matinee idol, is brought in chains to be shackle to a desolate mountain crag. For the modern reader - as contradictory to an Aeschylian audience, who would have already been familiar with the plot - a bit of land is in order. Prometheus was a god from the octogenarian order, the Titans, who had now all been overthrown by a group of young upstarts, the surpassings (all except for Prometheus, that is). Rather than go take in honor, this half-god Prometheus, in order to avoid further violence, chose to desert the Olympian forces. In fact, he was instrumental in Zeus usurpation of the throne from the old Titan king Chronus. In the new order, Zeus stood as primary(prenominal) god. Now one of Zeus first objectives was to destroy the rice of men, who, until then, had been a primitive, naive and miserab le lot. Zeus intent was to replace mankind with a new, more majestic race, servile to the gods every whim. When the destructive proclamation went out, however, Prometheus alone objected to Zeus heartless proposal. He saw in man a spark of divine foreshadow that even the gods might envy, and in order to save the human race, he willingly and courageously committed a crime he brought go up down from heaven and taught the mortals how to use it. Furthermore, he tutored them in practical arts, use sciences and philosophy, so that he might edify, ennoble and empower them. But these salve acts were deemed highly treasonous such knowledge in the hands of mortals imperil to put them on an equal footing with the gods themselves. Furious, Zeus commanded the Olympian blacksmith god of fire, Hephaestus, and the gods of Might and Force, Kratos and Bia, to seize Prometheus and shackle him to a barren mountainside. But Hephaestus approached his tax halfheartedly. He had been taught to respect deity and he sympathized with Prometheus - after all, it didnt seem rightfield that a divine being should suffer such abuse. The exchange in the midst of Hephaestus and Might (Kratos) showed clearly their separate sentiments. Compassion will not bowel movement the mind of Zeus All monarchs new to power show savagery .... How bitterly I hate any craftsmans cunning now ... Prometheus I lament your pain .