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12-2012
Prometheus's Role of the Poet
Sarah M. Connelly '15, Gettysburg College
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Connelly, Sarah M., "Prometheus's Role of the Poet" (2012). Student Publications. 89.
http://cupola.gettysburg.edu/student_scholarship/89
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Prometheus's Role of the Poet
Abstract
This essay examines the characterization of Prometheus in the opening speech of Prometheus Unbound, by
Percy Shelley, through the lens of Shelley’s “Defense of Poetry” in order to argue Prometheus’ existence as a
poet. By giving humanity wisdom and bridging the gap between logic and compassion, Prometheus becomes
the point from which imagination, beauty, art, and poetry stems. Prometheus’ role developed into a model of
morality and love in contrast to the fear and spite of Zeus, whose influence is reflected in the evils of mankind.
Yet, through the torturous reign of Zeus, Prometheus transcends his hate by retracting his curse on Zeus
during in Act I of the poem, effectively immortalizing himself as a poet whose sacrifice for humanity became
the catalyst for true beauty in the world.
Keywords
Prometheus unbound, Prometheus, role of poet, poetry, Percy Shelley, Romanticism
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Classical Literature and Philology | English Language and Literature | Poetry
This student research paper is available at The Cupola: Scholarship at Gettysburg College: http://cupola.gettysburg.edu/
student_scholarship/89