One of my all-time favorite Greek tragedies is Philoctetes. So, right from the start, I was completely on board with this. It contains that great and memorable bit where history and hope rhyme, which really adds a touch of elegance and depth to the story.

However, I must admit that if you haven't read Philoctetes before, this might seem a bit obtuse at times. The plot and the characters' motives can be quite complex and require a certain level of familiarity with the original work to fully understand and appreciate.

Nevertheless, for those who are already fans of Greek tragedies or have a keen interest in exploring this genre, this is definitely a must-read. It offers a unique perspective on human nature, fate, and the power of redemption.

Overall, while it may have its challenges, the beauty and significance of the story make it well worth the effort.

In this magnificent translation crafted by Seamus Heaney, we encounter the story of Philoctetes, an archer. The Greek army, on its way to Troy, has callously abandoned him on the island of Lemnos.

However, it later becomes known that they cannot prevail in the war without Philoctetes's bow. Cunning Odysseus and Neopotolemus then return to Lemnos with the intention of retrieving both him and the bow through devious means.

Interestingly, we can also see how a theatre company in Brooklyn, New York, is using the Greek Tragedies of Sophocles to provide treatment to soldiers suffering from PTSD. The literature of the Greeks truly stands the test of time!

For more information, you can visit http://www.outsidethewirellc.com/

Plays are always a complex form of literature, and this particular play is no exception.

It commences powerfully, immediately drawing the audience in and captivating their attention. However, the middle part of the play can be somewhat pedestrian, lacking the same level of energy and excitement.

Thankfully, the play closes with a series of sequences that manage to salvage the overall experience. These closing moments are truly impactful and leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

In particular, the passage that begins with "Human beings suffer..." is a small miracle. It is a profound and moving piece of writing that speaks to the human condition and evokes strong emotions in the audience.

Overall, while the play may have its flaws, it also has many strengths that make it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate the art of theater.

I liked this more than I was expecting to.

Seamus Heaney's writing truly flows with great ease when it comes to pacing and pauses. What's remarkable is that he achieves this without overly relying on stage or dialogue instructions. In fact, I counted only around five of them throughout the entire play. There is a distinct performative sense right within the page itself. The arrangement of each line seems to vividly express the shifts and movements of the actors' performance. I have read several of his poetry collections, but this being my first play (adaptation) by him, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he still manages to retain the poetical quality of his usual work within this new medium.

However, I should mention that for someone who has no idea who the major players were on the Greek side, a crash course on The Illiad wouldn't be out of place. And for those who've read The Odyssey and thought Odysseus was a jerk, they will feel vindicated.

I am planning to read Sophocles's original version (Philoctetes) soon, simply for the sake of comparison.

Your wound is what you feed on, Philoctetes.

This version by Seamus Heaney of Sophocles' penultimate work presents the story of a man presumably condemned by a wound, but who is fundamentally haunted by an unbearable offense. Proud and unable to make amends for it to go to the Trojan War, he only sets off after the call of an old friend who was, in the same way, wounded and restored. Therefore, I consider that the appearance of Heracles at the end of the work is not so much a deus ex machina as a resource to reconcile the vital situation of change/risk, allowing the hero to die after the rejection of Neoptolemus' proposition and then be reborn.

It is a complex and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the human condition. Philoctetes' wound becomes a metaphor for his inner turmoil and the burden he carries. The relationship with his old friend adds another layer of depth, showing how past experiences can shape our present actions. The role of Heracles, rather than being a convenient plot device, serves to bring about a transformation in Philoctetes, enabling him to move forward and find a new sense of purpose. Overall, this work offers a profound exploration of themes such as pride, forgiveness, and the power of change.

I really gotta read the original.

And that means I gotta learn Ancient Greek.

Which in turn means I gotta become Greek.

And if I become Greek, that means I gotta burn down Troy.

Burning down Troy implies I gotta get bit on the foot.

Getting bit on the foot means I gotta sweep out a horse stable.

It seems like there's this long chain of events that I have to go through just to read the original.

But I'm determined to do it.

I'll start by learning Ancient Greek, even though it might be a difficult task.

Then I'll figure out how to become Greek, which could involve learning about their culture and traditions.

And if that leads to burning down Troy and all the other things that come after, well, I'll just have to face them one by one.

I'm ready for the challenge and excited to see where this journey takes me.

Heaney's work on Philoctetes is not so much a strict translation. Instead, it is his imaginative and highly readable adaptation into modern English, incorporating both prose and poetry. The play tells the story of Philoctetes, a Greek warrior. He walked on sacred land and was cursed with an injured foot. In pain, he was marooned on an island by those going to fight the Trojan War. A Trojan soothsayer prophesied that if the Greeks couldn't persuade Philoctetes to come to Troy, they would never win the war. Years later, Odysseus and Neoptolemus come to the island. They try to convince him to come to Troy, bringing his remarkable bow obtained from Hercules. At first, he resists. But finally, Hercules appears and persuades him to go to Troy.

The following lines from the play are quite powerful:

"Go, Philoctetes, with this boy

Go and be cured and capture Troy,

Asclepius will make you whole,

Relieve your body and your soul.


Go with your bow, conclude the sore

And cruel stalemate of our war.

Win by fair combat. But know to shun

Reprisal killings when that's done."

I truly enjoyed this play and would highly recommend it to others.

If you've read another version of Philoctetes, it isn't essential to read this one.

However, this particular version of Philoctetes might offer some unique perspectives and interpretations that could enhance your understanding of the story.

The play of Philoctetes has been a subject of great interest and study throughout history. Different adaptations and retellings have emerged, each bringing its own flavor and emphasis.

While the basic plot remains the same, with Philoctetes being abandoned on an island due to a festering wound and later being called upon to help in the Trojan War, the details and nuances can vary significantly.

This version might explore the psychological and emotional turmoil of Philoctetes in greater depth, or perhaps shed light on the motives and actions of the other characters in a new way.

So, even if you've already experienced another rendition of Philoctetes, it could still be worthwhile to give this one a chance and see what fresh insights it has to offer.

You might be surprised by what you discover and find that it enriches your overall appreciation of this classic tale.

The story of Philoctetes, the wounded archer who was callously abandoned by the Greeks on an island, only to be later implored by those very same Greeks to assist in defeating Troy, is exquisitely rendered in this work. It is part epic poem and part play, and Heaney's verse here is truly peerless.

The simplicity of the story, with only three characters, serves to heighten the raw emotion and passion that is captured in every single line. In fact, this might just be my favorite work by Heaney, as it is vivid and breathtaking to read.

The inspirations for this piece, namely the Troubles and Mandela, are ever-present but not overbearing. They serve as a reminder of the continuing significance of its message:

History says, Don't hope
On this side of the grave.
But then, once in a lifetime
The longer-for tidal wave
Of Justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme. (p. 69)

This powerful message speaks to the idea that even in the face of great adversity and historical precedent that seems to crush hope, there is still a glimmer of possibility that justice will prevail and hope will find its way. Heaney's masterful treatment of this story and its message makes this work a true gem.

My favorite poem from college is an updated adaptation of Socrates’ Philoctetes.

It skillfully uses the conflict between Philoctetes, Odysseus, and Neoptolemus to vividly portray the complex relationship between public and private morality.

The story unfolds with Philoctetes, who has been abandoned on an island due to a festering wound. Odysseus and Neoptolemus are sent to bring him back, but their motives are not entirely pure.

Odysseus is driven by the need to win the war for the public good, while Neoptolemus struggles with his own sense of right and wrong.

The poem delves deep into the moral dilemmas they face and forces us to question our own values.

Biden’s recent win in the election sparked my interest in rereading this poem.

After he directly quoted it in his victory speech, reminding us to not lose hope “on this side of the grave,” it took on a new significance.

It made me realize how relevant the themes of the poem are in our modern world, where we often have to balance our personal beliefs with the greater good.

Rereading this poem has been a thought-provoking experience, and I look forward to exploring its depths further.

Seamus Heaney has once again achieved a remarkable feat. This is a truly wonderful reworking of Sophocles' Philoctetes, which makes the story both punchy and highly accessible.

It narrates the tale of Achilles' son Neoptolemus, who is dispatched by Odysseus to obtain Hercules' bow from Philoctetes. They had abandoned Philoctetes at the commencement of the Trojan War when he was bitten by a snake and his leg became severely infected.

Poor Philoctetes, festering both internally and externally, is on the verge of being betrayed yet again by Odysseus when he discovers that Neoptolemus' presence is not a coincidence.

This is Greek tragedy with a twist. Surprisingly, it has an uplifting conclusion and no deaths occur at all. It is particularly excellent for a character study of Odysseus. We have witnessed his heroism in the Odyssey. Here, the pragmatist takes center stage, and he is more than willing to lie, cheat, and abandon a wounded crew member to accomplish his task.

I am also truly fond of the chorus in this work. There is a marvelous section at the beginning that defines the purpose of the Greek chorus: it is a part of the story, a part of the audience, and the link between the gods and humanity. Anyone penning an essay on the function of the Greek Chorus need not look any further.

The themes of betrayal, morality, and forgiveness presented here are just as relevant today as they were in the ancient world. Heaney's poetic and modern dialogue only serves to enhance these themes.

Overall, it is truly great stuff.

The story starts off excitingly as I settle into these characters once again. I enjoy the age-old trick of keeping the main character, who is advertised by the original title, off-stage while the others talk about him for a while to build tension.

It proceeds somewhat predictably, yet pleasurably. I can see where this is going and how it all must work out.

However, it concludes with secret waves that have swept me up unnoticed. The language and its power buffet higher and higher. How often does great writing dare to talk about hope and still pull it off? "What is it?" "The foot! The foot!" (Maybe this is made perfect by its very light shades of Tell-Tale Heart-ishness.)

Overall, it's a journey that takes you through anticipation, recognition, and finally, a moment of unexpected emotional impact. The storyteller has skillfully crafted a narrative that engages the reader from start to finish.