Philoctetes

Philoctetes is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, which was first performed in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War in 409 BC. It was performed at the ancient Greek festival of City Dionysia, where it was awarded first prize. Philoctetes takes place during the final year of the Trojan War and explores themes of friendship, trauma, deception versus morality, fate, and the individual versus the collective. This study guide uses the translation of Sophocles’ play by Peter Meineck.

Other plays written by this author include Electra, Antigone, and Oedipus Rex.

Plot Summary

The play begins as Greek warriors Odysseus and Neoptolemus arrive at the deserted island of Lemnos—the same island where Odysseus once abandoned fellow soldier Philoctetes, who was suffering from a festering wound on his foot. Odysseus wants Neoptolemus to deceive Philoctetes to gain Philoctetes’ trust and, thus, his powerful bow, which the demigod Heracles gave to Philoctetes. It has been prophesied that the bow is necessary for the Greek army to win the Trojan War. Neoptolemus protests the plan because he doesn’t want to lie, but Odysseus persuades him, and Neoptolemus gives in.