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Sophocles' Philoctetes and the 'Great Soul Robbery': Wisconsin Studies in Classics

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An Image Of Sophocles' Philoctetes, A Greek Mythological Figure Who Was Abandoned On An Island With A Festering Wound, Portrayed In A Sculpture Showcasing His Physical Suffering And Emotional Anguish. Sophocles Philoctetes And The Great Soul Robbery (Wisconsin Studies In Classics)

Wisconsin Studies in Classics, a renowned academic journal in the field, presents a thought-provoking analysis of Sophocles' Philoctetes. This classic Greek play delves into complex ethical themes, including the notion of the 'soul robbery' and the conflict between an individual's needs and the interests of the community.

Sophocles' Philoctetes and the Great Soul Robbery (Wisconsin Studies in Classics)

by Norman Austin

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2246 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Story of Philoctetes

In Sophocles' Philoctetes, the titular character is a Greek warrior who had been abandoned on the island of Lemnos by his fellow Greeks during the Trojan War. His abandonment was prompted by a festering wound on his foot, inflicted by a venomous snake. The pain and isolation he endures for ten years have taken a severe toll on his body and spirit.

When Odysseus and Neoptolemus arrive on Lemnos to retrieve Philoctetes and his legendary bow, the play's central conflict arises. The Greeks believe they need Philoctetes' bow to conquer Troy, but Philoctetes is unwilling to join them, feeling betrayed and abandoned.

The 'Great Soul Robbery'

Wisconsin Studies in Classics examines the play's exploration of the 'soul robbery' concept. Philoctetes' suffering and isolation have not only physically weakened him but have also ravaged his spirit. Odysseus and Neoptolemus, in their attempts to persuade him to rejoin the war effort, engage in deception and manipulation, further undermining his trust.

The article argues that Philoctetes' experience represents a 'great soul robbery,' where his individuality, dignity, and sense of self-worth have been systematically stripped away. The play questions the morality of sacrificing an individual for the supposed greater good, as well as the limits of compassion and empathy in a society driven by self-interest.

Individuality vs. Community Interest

Another significant theme examined in Wisconsin Studies in Classics is the tension between individuality and community interest. The play presents the question of whether the needs of the many should always outweigh the rights of the individual.

Philoctetes' predicament forces the audience to consider the ethical implications of sacrificing one person's well-being for the perceived benefit of the collective. The article explores how Sophocles uses the characters and plot to explore the complexities of this conflict, ultimately leaving the audience to grapple with the question of where the true balance lies.

Wisconsin Studies in Classics provides a comprehensive analysis of Sophocles' Philoctetes, shedding light on its complex ethical themes. The article's insights into the 'soul robbery' concept and the tension between individuality and community interest offer valuable perspectives on the enduring relevance of this classic work.

Sophocles' Philoctetes remains a powerful and thought-provoking play, challenging our assumptions about loyalty, betrayal, and the limits of human endurance. The Wisconsin Studies in Classics article deepens our understanding of the work's ethical complexities, inviting us to reflect on our own values and responsibilities in a world where individual and collective interests often collide.

Sophocles' Philoctetes and the Great Soul Robbery (Wisconsin Studies in Classics)

by Norman Austin

5 out of 5