38 pages • 1 hour read
Prometheus Bound
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Book Brief
144
Play • Fiction
Remote Mountainous Area • Mythical Past
456
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
1170L
Super Short Summary
Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus tells the story of the Titan Prometheus, who is punished by Zeus for giving fire to humans. Chained to a mountain by Hephaestus, Prometheus endures suffering but prophesies that Zeus will eventually need his help. Despite visits from Oceanus and Io, Prometheus refuses to reveal the identity of Zeus’s potential overthrower, leading to further torment. Themes include physical and psychological suffering associated with perpetual torment.
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
19,553 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Aeschylus's Prometheus Bound is celebrated for its exploration of defiance and suffering, offering profound reflections on justice and tyranny. Critics praise its poetic language and thematic depth. However, some find its narrative pace slow and its character development limited. Overall, it's a compelling tragedy with enduring philosophical insights.
Who Should Read Prometheus Bound?
A reader who enjoys Greek tragedies, philosophical themes on power, rebellion, and human suffering will appreciate Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound. Fans of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex or Euripides' Medea will find similar thematic depth and dramatic intensity in this classic play. Perfect for those interested in ancient literature and mythological tales.
19,553 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Chorus
Chorus
Composed of Oceanids, daughters of Ocean, they attempt to offer comfort to Prometheus while expressing concern over his defiance and evolving towards solidarity with his stance.
Hephaestus
Hephaestus
The god of the forge, reluctantly tasked with executing Zeus's order to bind Prometheus, displaying sympathy but constrained by fear of Zeus's power.
Ocean
Ocean
A Titan who visits Prometheus to offer aid and counsel, yet is rebuffed as Prometheus chooses to endure his predestined suffering.
Io
Io
A mortal woman transformed into a cow by Zeus's actions, she shares a mutual understanding with Prometheus over unjust suffering inflicted by the gods.
Hermes
Hermes
Zeus's messenger who is sent to coerce Prometheus into revealing knowledge of Zeus's fate, resorting to threats to enforce Zeus's will.
144
Play • Fiction
Remote Mountainous Area • Mythical Past
456
Oxford University Press
Adult
18+ years
1170L
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