The Importance of Friendship

. . ?" (l. 13-14, p. 21) and states, "The ties of birth and comradeship argon strangely strong" (l. 40, p. 21). This experience is explained by Aristotle as the " experience of kinsmen" (l. 17, p. 527); he says this derives from the mutual love of p arent and child and that "kinsmen dress to be closer to gainher or farther apart by virtue of the nearness or distance of the lord ancestor" (l. 39-41, p. 527). How close Hephaestus and Prometheus are is unclear but their stuffiness is not enough to prevent Hephaestus from chaining Prometheus to a rock. Under the threat of the wrath of Zeus, "Be quick, then; put the fetters on him ahead the Father sees you idling" (l. 57, p. 22). Hephaestus ignores friendship and acts in his bear self-interest.

several(prenominal) different would-be friends lose their friendship when they hear that dowry Prometheus means acting against Zeus. Oceanus comes to Prometheus claiming to be his friend for several reasons. He is "sorry for your [Prometheus'] misfor contrast" and holds Prometheus in great respect (l. 288, p. 29). Oceanus claims that he is Prometheus' firmest friend (l. 297, p. 30), but soon enough he has changed his tune: "I'm anxious to be going" (l. 394, p. 32). Oceanus leaves amid the sh come to the fores of Prometheus, "Go! Get out! Be what you are!" (l. 393, p. 32). Prometheus is understandably upset that his "firmest friend" has left(a) him. Oceanus is being himself by acting barely in his own interest. He isn't a real friend. Oceanus and Hephaestus are b

It is clear from Prometheus Bound and Philoctetes that friendship varies. True or perfect friendship is "infrequent" (Arist., l. 23, p. 513). In Prometheus Bound only the friendship between Prometheus and military personnel survives the wrath of Zeus. This friendship is establish on Prometheus' pity for globe and his knowledge that he must(prenominal) resist Zeus and not tell him who will unbalance him. This type of friendship works for a god, but for humans it is a tough act to follow. Aristotle is right when he says that gods and humans are too far removed to be called friends. The other types of friendship in Prometheus Bound, such as that between Oceanus and Prometheus, are based on kinship ties and an underlying usefulism.

Oceanus isn't acting because he feels that Prometheus was wronged; he acts to save himself from Zeus. The chorus is a true friend to Prometheus but they cannot take the punishment even though they would similar to. Aeschylus shows that friendship based on kinship ties and/or functional motives don't last long under trying conditions.

After Neoptolemus has gotten the gesticulate and feels guilty Odysseus shows his true colors. When Neoptolemus is debating whether to return the bow Odysseus rushes in and takes the bow. He shows how much friendship he actually has for Neoptolemus when he calls him, " squealer! What are you at? Give me the bow. Stand back!" (l. 977, p. 196). Odysseus takes charge and won't even let Neoptolemus have a last explicate with Philoctetes when he says, "Not a look, or we lose our result; I know your noble nature" (l. l. 1102-1103, p. 199). Odysseus is angry that Neoptolemus, his tool, has just about failed him.

Sophocles has a similar message. The friendship between Neoptolemus and Odysseus and the early friendship between Philoctetes and Neoptolemus are both based on utilitarian motives. Both fail quickly when one friend doesn't get what he wants. Odysseus rejects Neoptolemus when he returns the bow, and Philoctetes rejects Neoptol
Ordercustompaper.com is a professional essay writing service at which you can buy essays on any topics and disciplines! All custom essays are written by professional writers!