P. B. Shelley – Prometheus Unbound
Prometheus Unbound (1820) is a four-act lyrical drama by Percy Bysshe Shelley. Unlike Greek tragedy, Shelley’s work is not meant for stage performance but for imaginative and philosophical reading.
The poem reinterprets the Greek myth of Prometheus to express Shelley’s ideals of freedom, love, intellectual rebellion, and moral regeneration.
Background and Myth
In Greek mythology, Prometheus steals fire from Zeus and gives it to mankind. For this act of rebellion, Zeus punishes him by chaining him to a rock.
Shelley radically transforms this myth:
- Prometheus becomes a symbol of human intellect and moral resistance
- Jupiter represents tyranny and oppression
- The drama ends not in tragedy but in hope and liberation
Central Idea
The poem celebrates:
- the overthrow of tyranny
- the power of love and forgiveness
- human perfectibility
- the triumph of imagination
Shelley presents a visionary utopia where humanity is freed from political, moral, and psychological chains.
Act I – Suffering and Defiance
Prometheus is chained to a rock in the Caucasus Mountains, enduring immense suffering. Despite his torment, he refuses to submit to Jupiter’s authority.
He recalls the curse he once pronounced on Jupiter but later regrets it. This regret marks an important moral shift—from hatred to forgiveness.
The Earth and spirits sympathise with Prometheus, highlighting the injustice of tyranny.
Key idea: Moral resistance is stronger than physical power.
Act II – Hope, Love, and Prophecy
This act introduces Asia, the spirit of love and Prometheus’ beloved. She represents:
- love
- beauty
- moral harmony
Asia travels with Panthea to seek knowledge about the future. They encounter Demogorgon, a mysterious power representing eternal necessity and revolution.
Demogorgon foretells the downfall of Jupiter.
Key idea: Love and hope prepare the way for liberation.
Act III – Fall of Tyranny
This act marks the dramatic climax. Demogorgon rises and overthrows Jupiter, casting him into darkness.
Jupiter’s fall symbolises:
- end of tyranny
- collapse of oppressive authority
- victory of moral force over brute power
Prometheus is finally unchained by Hercules.
Key idea: Tyranny destroys itself through arrogance and injustice.
Act IV – Regeneration and Ideal World
The final act celebrates a transformed universe. Nature, humanity, and spirits rejoice in harmony.
Love, freedom, and imagination now govern the world. Prometheus and Asia are united, symbolising:
- intellect united with love
- moral regeneration
- human emancipation
The act presents Shelley’s utopian vision of a liberated future.
Major Characters
- Prometheus – symbol of human intellect, endurance, and moral courage
- Jupiter – tyrannical authority and oppression
- Asia – love, beauty, and harmony
- Demogorgon – revolution, necessity, and destiny
- Hercules – physical force serving moral justice
Major Themes
- Rebellion against Tyranny
- Forgiveness and Moral Growth
- Power of Love
- Imagination and Idealism
- Human Perfectibility
Style and Form
- lyrical drama
- rich symbolism
- choruses and songs
- highly musical language
- philosophical Romanticism
The drama prioritises vision and ideas over plot realism.
Significance of the Work
- one of Shelley’s greatest poetic achievements
- represents Romantic revolutionary idealism
- redefines tragedy into hope
- blends myth with philosophy
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | P. B. Shelley |
| Work | Prometheus Unbound |
| Form | Four-act lyrical drama |
| Myth Source | Greek myth of Prometheus |
| Main Conflict | Freedom vs tyranny |
| Ending | Hopeful, utopian |
| Key Idea | Love and forgiveness liberate humanity |
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