Prometheus Unbound

Historical Context and Significance

«Prometheus Unbound» is a philosophical drama in verse written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1820. It is one of the key works of Romantic literature and represents a reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus. Unlike the traditional myth, where Prometheus suffers for giving fire to humanity, Shelley portrays him as a symbol of human struggle for freedom and progress. The work reflects Enlightenment and Romantic ideas, such as faith in the power of reason and the pursuit of liberation from tyranny. Shelley uses the figure of Prometheus to express his ideals of social and political justice, as well as the spiritual evolution of humanity. The drama significantly influenced the development of literature and philosophy, inspiring subsequent generations of writers and thinkers to reflect on freedom, justice, and human potential.