Prometheus unbound, Percy Bysshe Shelley, greek mythological, Prometheus, Jupiter, Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Demogorgon
In Act I of Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Prometheus Unbound", the story begins with the introduction of the mentally and physically tortured Prometheus bound to a rock. The reason for his confinement is revealed to be punishment for teaching the secret of fire to humanity, and defying Jupiter's reign on mankind. Prometheus, who is an immortal Titan, desperately attempts to recall the exact words of a curse that he uttered against Jupiter. However, he learns that the words he needs must be spoken by a shade, a ghost, or a phantom of the dead in order to escape suffering at Jupiter's hands. As Prometheus's mother reveals that she too has been a victim of her son's curse, a Phantasm of Jupiter appears and repeats Prometheus's declarations against Jupiter.
[...] Although Prometheus Unbound is not a work that deals primarily with life and death, Shelley does involve the idea of forgiveness and the importance of understanding and accepting one's shortcomings. It is important to note that although Shelley based Prometheus Unbound on Aeschylus' myth, he chose to have Jupiter overthrown as opposed to having Prometheus reconciled with the tyrant. Shelley did not want his character to give up on his aspirations for the human race, and by ensuring that Prometheus did not give up on his beliefs, Shelley made sure that justice would be served and that all efforts would be rewarded. [...]
[...] His imagery goes as far as to allow the reader to taste what he tastes, and feel what he is feeling. he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise,” allows Coleridge to give his audience an actual taste of the pleasure that Paradise holds. Therefore, it is unsurprising that “Kubla Khan” is also known as “Vision in a Dream.” It is important to note the similarities between Prometheus Unbound and “Kubla Khan.” Coleridge, like Shelley, poured enormous emotion into his words. [...]
[...] Arnold Print. [...]
[...] Shelley reinforces this idea with the words of Demogorgon, tyranny of heaven none may retain/ Or reassume, or hold, succeeding thee/ Yet if thou wilt, as't is the destiny/ Of trodden worms to writhe till they are dead/ Put forth thy might” (III, 57-61). Essentially, Prometheus Unbound is one of Shelley's more powerful works. Throughout the entire play, Shelley makes a point to advocate for free will, hope, goodness and idealism. This work was quite revolutionary in its time because it called for strength in the face of oppression. [...]
[...] By proclaiming that he repents his mistakes, and does not wish harm on any living thing, Prometheus strengthens his resolve to win against the tyrannical Jupiter. At Jupiter's request, the Furies attempt to weaken Prometheus's resolve, forcing him to submit to the realities of pain, disappointment and misery in human existence. By the end of Act the Furies are unsuccessful and their tormenting presences give way to six Spirits which reveal to Prometheus humanity's fragile aspirations that are tender hopes which in their hearts the best and gentlest bear' 775). [...]
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