The Morality Of Philoctetes In Homer's Odyssey

Throughout the play Philoctetes is unyielding in his principles who does not progress throughout the play. For years Philoctetes has been segregated and isolated from the rest of society. Since he was left on the island of Lemnos his anger built up for the person responsible of leaving him there to suffer: Odysseus. The story begins with Odysseus speaking to Neoptolemus about what he must say and act when they arrive to the Island which Philoctetes was stranded on. Believing that it is best to use trickery to get Philoctetes to join their side.
At first Neoptolemus believes it is better to succeed without using this he follows the orders given by Odysseus by stating that Odysseus had Achilles armor and would not give it to him even though he is Achilles son. Philoctetes hatred for Odysseus won out and he began to trust Neoptolemus even going so far as to show him the bow of Hercules. While Philoctetes is filled with discomfort and misery and merits human kindness but unfortunately he does not receive this treatment.
Neoptolemus feeling the guilt of what he had done wants to give the bow back to Philoctetes and after an argument with Odysseus he gives it back. After Odysseus flees, Neoptolemus tries to coax Philoctetes to come back and help in the Trojan war. Philoctetes arrogance and superiority is like a virus that spreads throughout everyone in …show more content…
Beginning of the play you see his hatred for Odysseus who he blames for the situation and his principles that he follows blindly. Believing he finally found a friend in Neoptolemus he shows him the bow of Hercules only to be blindsided by Odysseus. Philoctetes is not only physically injured but so disconnected from all around him. It was not until he was able to go back to Greece that you could see some changes to his character. In the end, he does join the Trojan war and is integrated back into