Prometheus

Definition

Prometheus is a figure from Greek mythology known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity, symbolizing enlightenment and the quest for knowledge. This act of rebellion against divine authority resonates strongly within the context of second-generation Romantic poetry, where themes of individualism, creativity, and the struggle against oppressive forces are prevalent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prometheus is often viewed as a symbol of human striving for knowledge and innovation, embodying the spirit of rebellion against tyranny.
2. The myth of Prometheus has inspired numerous literary works, notably in the poetry of second-generation Romantics like Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.
3. Shelley's poem 'Prometheus Unbound' reinterprets the myth to emphasize themes of hope and liberation, showcasing the transformational power of creativity.
4. In Romantic poetry, Prometheus serves as a metaphor for the artist's role in society, challenging norms and expressing individual freedom.
5. The figure of Prometheus raises questions about the consequences of enlightenment, including suffering and sacrifice, which are common themes explored by Romantic poets.

Review Questions

• How does Prometheus represent the ideals of individualism and creativity in second-generation Romantic poetry?
  • Prometheus embodies individualism by defying the gods to bestow fire upon humanity, symbolizing enlightenment and creative power. In second-generation Romantic poetry, this act represents the struggle against oppressive authority and highlights the importance of self-expression. Poets like Shelley and Byron draw on this myth to explore themes of rebellion, portraying the artist as a figure who challenges societal constraints.
• Discuss how the reinterpretation of the Prometheus myth in Romantic literature reflects broader themes of hope and liberation.
  • Romantic literature often reinterprets Prometheus as a figure who not only brings knowledge but also endures suffering for humanity's sake. In 'Prometheus Unbound,' Shelley illustrates this duality by portraying Prometheus's eventual liberation from torment as a metaphor for hope. This emphasis on liberation reflects the Romantic ideal that creativity can lead to personal and collective freedom, contrasting with the original myth's darker implications.
• Analyze how Prometheus serves as a critique of Enlightenment ideals within second-generation Romantic poetry.
  • While Prometheus symbolizes enlightenment through his gift of fire, he also critiques Enlightenment ideals by highlighting the suffering that accompanies knowledge. Romantic poets like Byron emphasize this complexity by illustrating how enlightenment can lead to alienation and conflict with societal norms. Thus, Prometheus becomes a cautionary tale that questions whether unrestrained pursuit of knowledge truly benefits humanity or leads to further challenges, showcasing the nuanced relationship between creativity and consequence in Romantic thought.

Related terms

Titan: Titans are the pre-Olympian gods in Greek mythology who ruled during the Golden Age, often seen as powerful beings who were overthrown by the Olympian gods.

Byronic Hero:

A type of romantic hero that is brooding, rebellious, and often conflicted, reflecting themes of isolation and defiance found in Romantic literature.

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, paralleling Prometheus's quest for knowledge.