1. Prometheus Bound
Discussion

2. Themes
What does Prometheus Bound have to say about the following themes?
Defying the established order
Bowing to authority
Right vs might
Suffering
Pride
Hope
Compassion
Jealousy

3. Irony
There are several definitions of irony, two of which are as follows:
incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs
expression marked by a deliberate contrast between apparent and intended meaning
What are some ironic aspects of Prometheus Bound?

4. Role of the Chorus
In Greek plays, the chorus generally observed the action while explaining or interpreting it in relation to the law of the Olympian gods and, in plays set after the development of human society, in relation to the law of the state. Sometimes the chorus participated in the action rather than merely observing it. It was customary for the chorus to sing its lines as poems while dancing to the left, dancing to the right, or standing still. In some plays, the chorus foreshadowed the future. The views it presented were usually those of the general public or the author. What do you believe to be the role of the chorus in Prometheus Bound and why?

5. Symbolism
Symbolism is often a major part of any drama, but especially Greek drama. What symbolism lies behind each of the following or what might each character represent?
Fire
Oceanids
Power, Might, Hermes
Io's wanderings
Gadfly
Lightning and thunder
Hephaestus
Zeus
Prometheus

6. Discussion Questions
1. Compare and contrast the two defiant figures: Prometheus and Zeus. 2. What is Prometheus’s greatest strength? What is his greatest weakness? 3. Prometheus gave fire to humankind. Explain how fire represents a primordial symbol. 4.  Identify five persons in world history who exhibited Promethean defiance. 5. Hephaestus (Roman name: Vulcan) and Hermes (Roman name: Mercury) were major Olympian gods. What were their duties? Identify literary works in which authors depicted them in a positive light.

7. Art
Look at famous paintings and sculptures depicting Prometheus. What are some of the images of Prometheus in the art world? Choose a couple of paintings or sculptures and discuss the differences in them. What might account for these differences?