O fogo de Prometeu

Abstract

The author analyses the main differences between the Hesiodic Prometheus and the Bound. These distinctions are not only substantive but also formal; the former are due to Aeschylean philosophic and religious thoughts and the latter to compelling circumstances of dramatic writing. The playwright made Themis Prometheus'mother, as this was the only way for him to take notice of the secret which would buy bis liberation, i.e. the ominous marriage of Zeus with Thetis. Also, the Identification of Themis - Justice – with Gaea - Earth - seems full of symbolism: Aeschylus produces a kinship between the Titan and Justice, but also between the Philantropist and the Earth, by assimilating likewise Justice to the Earth in order to mean that Justice is on the side of Prometheus and of mortals. Otherwise, Zeus who is regarded as Justice itself in the Oresteia and in the Suppliant Women, is presented in the Prometheus Bound as a tyrant who persecutes the Philantropist. Another Aeschylean innovation has to do with the presence of the two allegoric deities - Power and Force. According to Dodds, Prometheus represente knowledge without power and Zeus power without knowledge; this is related to the Hellenic notion of perfectibility of a god who, at the beginning, raled exclusively by force. The Hesiodic Prometheus is but a mere transgressor who stole the fire only to set himself against Zeus; both are rogues as those we find in comedies. Obviously this might not happen in a tragedy. Thus, in Prometheus Bound, in spite of being enemies, none of them is ignoble, neither Zeus nor Prometheus. The Philantropist acted for the sake of human beings, by giving to Humanity not only fire but also hope (this represents one more difference between Hesiod and Aeschylus); this same hope led him to endure his suffering with courage and determination. That is why he has become a symbol of freedom throughout the ages.