Prometheus Bound

A detailed Summary of Prometheus Bound

"Destruction of power is unjust, destruction of corrupt power deserves justice."

Disobeying the god of gods, Zeus, a mere titan with the power of foresight challenges the powers of the heaven that ultimately leads to his destruction. Prometheus Bound, a play by Aeschylus, portrays the punishment of this titan, Prometheus. Prometheus receives reprimand because he turns against Zeus' demands by giving the gift of fire to man. In turn, Zeus orders the titans, Might and Violence, to bind Prometheus to a rock for all eternity. Through the viewpoint of Prometheus, the chorus of Oceanids, and Might, Aeschylus clearly develops the theme of the penalty for the corruption of power.

First of all, to understand the unlawful penalty in which Prometheus endures, the most substantial viewpoint comes from his very own eyes. In fact, Prometheus protests the injustice of his position when he states, "The gifts I gave to man have harnessed me beneath this harsh duress"(6). Seemingly, Prometheus receives castigation for his kind acts towards man instead of gratitude. By disobeying Zeus, Prometheus risks his well being for the sake of helping mankind. Overrun by his feelings of injustice, Prometheus conveys the plight of his misfortunes i

From the beginning, Prometheus experiences feelings of compassion and anger from the other gods and titans for his actions. However, Prometheus feels no regret for his gifts to man. All of the viewpoints given throughout the play help to accurately convey the mixture of emotions aroused by Prometheus' punishment. Through Prometheus' experience, the effects of the penalty for corruption of power seem quite harsh. Still, Prometheus does not fear the consequences of his actions. In fact, the titan sustains his struggle against Zeus and patiently waits for a mightier power than Zeus to punish Zeus for his own corruption.

Moreover, while Zeus deals with his feelings of repentance, the chorus of Oceanids provides comfort for Prometheus and a sympathetic viewpoint for the play. The chorus clearly demonstrates this when they chant, "I see, Prometheus, and a mist of grief descendeth on my/vision, tears are springing to my eyes"(7). Through the chorus, the plot advances with the information they provide. Here, the main role of the Oceanids is to give commentary on the play; in addition, the chorus shows the sorrow that arises form Prometheus' misfortune. Furthermore, the chorus states, "Thus to behold thy beauty by day and night blasted in these/Adamant shackles of shame and torment"(8). Generating the degree of hopelessness of Prometheus' penalty makes the chorus vital to setting the mood of a successful Greek tragedy. In

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Approximate Word count = 966
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English