Readings in Greek Literature (301-0-2)

Topic

[Aeschylus] Prometheus Bound

Instructors

Marianne I Hopman
847/491-8361
Kresge Hall 4361
Office Hours: Tu/Th from 3:30-4:30pm

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-430: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Set in primordial times, _Prometheus Bound_ dramatizes the conflict that led newly installed divine ruler Zeus to chain and torture the Titan Prometheus, dispenser of fire and inventor of all human techniques. The play offers a fascinating reflection on such themes as tyranny, justice, divine order, and the respective role of technology and political values in human societies. Its original production would have amounted to a spectacular performance, complete with a flying entrance by Oceanus, a virtuoso piece of solo dancing by Io, and a final cataclysm. We will read most of the tragedy in Greek and discuss its significance in the context of fifth-century Athens.

Class Materials (Required)

Griffith, M., ed. (1983) Aeschylus: Prometheus Bound. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 978-0521270113

Scully, J. and C.J. Herington, trans. (1975) Aeschylus: Prometheus Bound. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0195061659

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area