The relationship between the individual and his/her society is a subject of continual interest not only to philosophers and religious thinkers. We, as individuals, have hopes, plans, needs, and expectations. Likewise, society has its own, which present itself in the form of laws, traditions, and needs for the greater good. Often, these needs and demands of the individual come in conflict with those of society, and this raises problems for both. Due to the importance of this relationship, the conflict is often presented in many literary works. When this conflict occurs, an individual is forced to make a decision to conform to what the community believes or risk public scrutiny for continuing to believe in what he or she feels is right. In Sophocles
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Each of the characters in this play have radically different personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, which allows for a dramatic shift of tone and suspense, as well as a melting pot for this conflict to take …show more content…
Although he accepts the mission, Neoptolemus is not thrilled with the plan at hand, stating, “Son of Laertes(Odysseus), what I dislike to hear. I hate to put in execution….. I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating.”[86-96] Nevertheless, he follows Odysseus orders to the end. However, feeling a sense of pity and guilt for deceiving Philoctetes he discloses his true mission. Neoptolemus feels he has betrayed his father and all he stands for. Neoptolemus states “I shall be seen to be dishonorable: that’s what has been causing me pain.”[906-907] Neoptolemus realizes that what he is doing is morally wrong, even though it is the will of the society, to achieve a greater good (a Greek victory). After abandoning Philoctetes, Neoptolemus comes to the realization that he cannot simply continue, and he must make right by the one he has wronged. In one scene, Odysseus asks Neoptolemus “You have turned back; there is hurry in your step. Will you no tell me why?” which Neoptolemus responds by stating “I am hurrying to undo the wrong that I have done.” Odysseus follows up by exclaiming “A strange thing to say! What wrong was that?” to which Neoptolemos boldly states “I did wrong when I obeyed you and the greeks” (1222-1226) This represents the overarching conflict of the individual and society. The society, which is represented by Odysseus, the Greek
Each of the characters in this play have radically different personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, which allows for a dramatic shift of tone and suspense, as well as a melting pot for this conflict to take …show more content…
Although he accepts the mission, Neoptolemus is not thrilled with the plan at hand, stating, “Son of Laertes(Odysseus), what I dislike to hear. I hate to put in execution….. I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating.”[86-96] Nevertheless, he follows Odysseus orders to the end. However, feeling a sense of pity and guilt for deceiving Philoctetes he discloses his true mission. Neoptolemus feels he has betrayed his father and all he stands for. Neoptolemus states “I shall be seen to be dishonorable: that’s what has been causing me pain.”[906-907] Neoptolemus realizes that what he is doing is morally wrong, even though it is the will of the society, to achieve a greater good (a Greek victory). After abandoning Philoctetes, Neoptolemus comes to the realization that he cannot simply continue, and he must make right by the one he has wronged. In one scene, Odysseus asks Neoptolemus “You have turned back; there is hurry in your step. Will you no tell me why?” which Neoptolemus responds by stating “I am hurrying to undo the wrong that I have done.” Odysseus follows up by exclaiming “A strange thing to say! What wrong was that?” to which Neoptolemos boldly states “I did wrong when I obeyed you and the greeks” (1222-1226) This represents the overarching conflict of the individual and society. The society, which is represented by Odysseus, the Greek