Prometheus Bound Quotes

Aeschylus depicts the ancient myth of Prometheus in his play, “Prometheus Bound” by showing the aftereffects of the titan’s disobedience. In this portrayal, Prometheus is being punished by the unjust tyrant, Zeus. By analyzing the deeds of Zeus, it can be determined that the great king of the gods is an unfit leader. He acts on impulse and pride, with no consideration for long-term prosperity or even the welfare of those over which he rules. From the start of the play, evidence of Zeus treating his fellow gods as slaves is unmistakable. He directs Hephaestus to bind Prometheus, though Hephaestus claims “this is not of your [Prometheus’] will nor of mine” (174). He continues to agonize over the job, while Might, the minion of Zeus prods him on, much like a slave-driver. Hephaestus believes Prometheus deserves none of the punishment he is receiving, however his belief is inconsequential. Later in the play Hermes comes to Prometheus by the command of Zeus. While he comes willingly and with pleasure, Prometheus sees through the manipulation of Zeus saying, “When I measure my misfortune against your slavery, I would not change" (211). Hermes was bound to …show more content…
It is because of his pride that he punishes Prometheus in the first place. Might asserts that Prometheus must “learn to accept the sovereignty of Zeus” (173) and “that he’s not as smart as Zeus” (176). As the mouthpiece of Zeus, Might explains that Prometheus is in this situation because he was in discord with Zeus and that was not permissible. Pride blinds the god to any redeeming qualities of Prometheus’ behavior. Furthermore, it is Zeus’ hubris that prevents him from gaining answers about his fate when he refuses to release Prometheus. The titan says that "There is not a torture or device of any kind which Zeus can use to make me speak these things, till these atrocious shackles have been loosed" (213), but Hermes leaves, still convinced of his master’s