Philoctetes: Analysis of Major Characters
"Philoctetes" is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around the themes of betrayal, suffering, and the complexities of heroism. At the center of the narrative is Philoctetes, a once-great warrior abandoned on the desolate island of Lemnos due to a festering wound inflicted by a serpent. This injury not only causes him excruciating pain but also leads to the Greeks' decision to leave him behind, instigated by Odysseus, the cunning leader who prioritizes military objectives over moral considerations. Ten years later, the Greeks learn that Philoctetes is essential for their victory in Troy, prompting Odysseus and the young Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, to persuade him to return.
Philoctetes' character embodies both enduring strength and profound resentment, showcasing a complex form of heroism that stands in stark contrast to the manipulative tactics employed by Odysseus. Neoptolemus, initially caught in a web of deceit, ultimately grapples with his own sense of honor, leading him to empathize with Philoctetes’ plight. As the story unfolds, the influence of Herakles serves as a pivotal moment, guiding Philoctetes toward a decision that intertwines his fate with that of the Greek forces. Overall, the characters in "Philoctetes" reflect the intricate interplay between personal suffering and broader ethical dilemmas within the context of war.
Philoctetes: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sophocles
Genre: Play
Locale: The island of Lemnos
Plot: Tragedy
Time: The Trojan War
Philoctetes (fihl-ok-TEE-teez), a Greek warrior who had received as a legacy from Herakles his magical bow and arrows. As the Greek expedition sailed toward Troy, it had paused at Chrysa, where Philoctetes, approaching a shrine, had been bitten on the foot by a serpent. The wound refused to heal. Because Philoctetes' screams of pain and the odor emanating from the wound caused acute discomfort to his shipmates, he was, at the instigation of Odysseus and the Atreidae, marooned on the barren island of Lemnos. Ten years later, the Greeks captured Helenus, a Trojan prophet, who revealed that the city would never fall without the willing aid of Philoctetes. Odysseus and Neoptolemus were sent to persuade Philoctetes to rejoin the cause of those who had abandoned him. At the beginning of the play, Philoctetes, who has endured ten years of loneliness, starvation, and hideous pain, is kept alive only by his superhuman stamina and his fierce hatred of the Greeks who wronged him. He is deceived by Neoptolemus, who, having promised to take him home, is entrusted with the great bow. When the real purpose of Neoptolemus' visit becomes clear, Philoctetes adamantly refuses to go to Troy, even though to remain on Lemnos would mean certain death for him without the weapon he uses to kill sea birds for food. There is no question but that he is morally right to resist not only Odysseus' threats but also Neoptolemus' persuasions; however, the kind of heroism to which Philoctetes dedicates himself, although grand and noble, is essentially sterile and selfish. Having triumphed over both the callous enmity of Odysseus and the spontaneous friendliness of Neoptolemus, itself a soft and subtle infringement on his will, Philoctetes can at last freely offer himself to the world again, an action symbolized by the epiphany of Herakles. With Odysseus and Neoptolemus, he sets out for Troy, where he will win glory and where his wound will be cured.
Neoptolemus (nee-op-TOL-eh-muhs), the young son of Achilles, noble and courageous but as yet untried in battle. Convinced by Odysseus that it is his duty to deceive Philoctetes, he tells the outcast that he has deserted the Greek army because his father's armor had been denied him. He promises to take Philoctetes back to Greece with him and watches as Philoctetes struggles against an excruciating wave of pain brought on by his disease. When Neoptolemus at last acquires possession of the great bow, Philoctetes is made helpless. Later, in spite of Odysseus' strong protests, his sense of decency and honor and the instinctive sympathy he has felt for the sufferer cause him to return the weapon. He finally agrees truly to take Philoctetes home but is relieved of this obligation when the bowman resolves to go to Troy.
Odysseus (oh-DIHS-ee-uhs), the crafty and unscrupulous Greek leader who puts expediency over honor. His purpose is to get Philoctetes to accompany him to Troy; his means are deceit and violence. He temporarily convinces Neoptolemus that a reputation for wisdom and goodness can be won by a man willing to sacrifice personal honor for the benefit of his cause. After his experience with Philoctetes, the young man holds both Odysseus and his advice in contempt. Odysseus is not totally without dignity, and he reveals a sense of responsibility to the Greek army and its generals.
A sailor, disguised as a trader, sent by Odysseus, who cannot allow himself to be seen, to spy on Neoptolemus and Philoctetes.
Herakles (HEHR-uh-kleez), the legendary Greek hero, now deified, whose spirit informs Philoctetes that destiny requires himtoleaveLemnosandgotoTroy.