Raisin In The Sun Prometheus Quotes

How to Spend It All in One Place Prometheus, the trickster Titan, stole fire from the Greek gods. Walter Lee, a crafty family man, stole a promising future from his sister. Both took bold risks in an effort to serve the greater good. Both were punished immensely, one physically, and one mentally, knowing the gravity of their actions would haunt them forever. Greek myths and their relevance to modern-day literature are constantly present, as a humble reminder of how human we are. Lorraine Hansberry’s character of Walter Lee in her play, A Raisin in The Sun, demonstrates many characteristics and experiences parallel to those of Prometheus, seen in his boldness, defiance, and punishment, illuminating when people are forced to make a difficult

The punishment of Prometheus came in the form of an eagle, commanded by Zeus. Every day, the eagle would fly down to Prometheus, chained onto a rock, and eat his liver, which would infinitely regenerate. Metaphorically, the act of Prometheus’ liver being eaten out without ceasing can be directly compared to how Walter always tries to do what he thinks is right for his family (the liver regenerating), but always ends up losing it (the liver being eaten), as he did with the money. Harsh physical punishment is a common theme in Greek myths, but it isn’t always the only punishment one can experience. Mental anguish as a form of punishment is exemplified by both characters. They both had to work through and watch as their own family suffered due to their rash decisions. Zeus took vengeance on Prometheus by presenting his brother, Epimetheus with Pandora. Pandora and Epithemeus fell in love, and despite Prometheus’ protests, got married. As the second part of this punishment, Zeus gave Pandora a jar which she was instructed never to open. When curiosity took over, Pandora opened it, releasing evils, hard work, and disease to plague humanity; the very race Prometheus had created. This directly corresponds to the way Walter’s family reacts when they find out all the money had been gambled and lost. Mama, the head of the Younger family and Walter’s mother is in such shock she starts to beat him across the face, not even thinking. After this, she kneels on the ground, helplessly begging God to “[l]ook down here and show [her] strength” (Hansberry 129). Prometheus and Walter had to watch as their actions indirectly resulted in the mental anguish of themselves and their close family. This parallel allows how closely tied ancient themes are to modern