blog




  • Essay / Themes arising from the conflict between Prometheus and Zeus

    Prometheus Bound serves as a radiant allegory of theme. Yet even though the symbolism employed by Aeschylus is quite ubiquitous and some scholars assert that the primary issues in Aeschylus' play lie both in the services rendered by Prometheus to humanity and in the wanderings of Io and his future offspring, it is in the relationship between Prometheus and Zeus that the most remarkable concepts are manifested. It is through the interaction between the so-called "master of the universe" and the human-loving "superhuman" that such striking themes as individuality, justice and moderation (or lack thereof) can be well illustrated. (62)Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The struggle between individuality and conformity has been widely used in literature. Examples include Alduous Huxley's Brave New World and Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in which the protagonist is forced to choose between what his own conscience considers right and what the masses consider acceptable. The Book of Job provides a biblical example in which this same theme is introduced into the relationship between unfortunate Job and his Comforters. Aeschylus's Prometheus Bound provides another example where the battle between individuality and orthodoxy, apparent in the conflict between Prometheus and Zeus, is presented as one of the central issues of the play. As Zeus “ascended the throne that belonged to his father,” he intended to “wipe out the [unfortunate species of humanity].” (74) “Against these plans, none other than [Prometheus]: he dared. He saved men from the shattering destruction that would have transported them to the house of Hades,” all the while being acutely aware of the trouble his actions would inevitably bring. (74, 75) In doing so, by “sinning against the immortals,” that is, by going against the status quo, “giving honor [instead] to the creatures of the day,” he is sentenced to torture on an equal footing. rock, "a bitterness to suffer and a pain to pitiful eyes". (100, 74) The fact that Prometheus selflessly “gave mortal man precedence over [himself] out of pity” is indeed admirable and might even suggest that he is a symbol of Jesus Christ. However, the protagonist is flawed by his excessively "vain tongue" and "bigness of heart." (72, 77) Thus, Aeschylus also introduces the theme of excess as the cause of someone's disappearance. Prometheus, rejecting the warnings of the other immortals "to bring [his] proud heart to know true discretion in the face of ruin", stubbornly refuses to give in to Zeus' orders. (103, 104) His courage is commendable, but his excessive arrogance is not and it is “this obstinacy which brought him to this calamitous and voluntary anchorage”. (101) Prometheus is, however, not the only victim of excess. Zeus, because of his hedonistic activities, is prophesied to "make a marriage he will one day regret?" a marriage that will remove him from his power and the throne, out of everyone's sight. (93, 99) The ancient Greeks believed in the importance of moderation, reason and order. By creating a scenario in which a violation of these principles would result in downfall, Aeschylus reveals the reason for the Greeks' belief. As in the Book of Job, the justice of the higher power, Zeus, is called into question in Prometheus Bound. The main god is characterized as an oppressive dictator, who is "so hard-hearted that he rejoices" in the torment of Prometheus, and is also indifferent to the torment of Io, who only suffers because of the lustful desires of Zeus . (71, 86-87) Selfish tyrant,.