Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound and the Seven Against Thebes

Prometheus Bound is a tragic play that tells the story of Prometheus the Titan who defied the gods by stealing fire from Zeus and giving it to humanity. As punishment for his rebellion Prometheus is bound to a rock where an eagle perpetually feeds on his liver which regenerates each night. The play delves into themes of suffering defiance and the struggle for human enlightenment. Prometheus stands as a symbol of resistance against tyranny embodying the tension between divine authority and individual freedom. His dialogue with the Chorus and the messenger highlights the consequences of his actions and the nature of sacrifice for the greater good. Seven Against Thebes on the other hand focuses on the conflict between the brothers Eteocles and Polynices who vie for control of Thebes. After their father Oedipus curses his lineage the play depicts the tragic fallout of familial rivalry and the inevitable doom that befalls those entangled in fate's web. Aeschylus presents a tense military drama where the Seven leaders are assembled to attack the city each representing a different aspect of heroism and ambition. The play culminates in the tragic confrontation between Eteocles and Polynices leading to their mutual destruction.