"That's the borderline that poetry operates on, too. Always in-between what you would like to happen and what will, whether you like it or not." This profound statement truly captures the essence of poetry. It exists in that nebulous space where our hopes and reality collide.

"History says don't hope on this side of the grave." Heaney's words here are both haunting and thought-provoking. They make us reflect on the limitations and uncertainties of life.

Damn, Heaney knows how to find great phrases in dead languages and polishes them like no other. His ability to breathe new life into ancient words is truly remarkable. It's as if he has a special connection with the past.

This is the second translation I've read from Seamus Heaney, the first being the Anglo-Saxon classic Beowulf. That was my favorite translation of Beowulf, and while I've only read this translation of Philoctetes, it may be my favorite of Sophocles' plays now. Heaney's translation is among the most energetic, readable, and profoundly written Greek plays I've ever read. His amazing way with words is simply staggering. He makes a play that was written for theatre in a totally different time and culture more engaging than most modern short fiction. Heaney even makes the song interludes shatteringly beautiful, especially the final one on injustice and the wrath of the world.

Many great little side stories and myths spun out from the Trojan War. This one has to do with just one Greek who Odysseus left stranded on the way to Troy. Like many of the better ancient plays I've read, this isn't obsessed with plot structure. Instead, it uses the plot as a prop on which to play with a few great characters. Here, we see Odysseus as an antagonist (and one who would still fit disturbingly well with Homer's vision of him), Neoptolemus as the honor-driven idealistic youth, and Philoctetes as a crippled man who was abandoned for a decade and left to stew in his spite. It's never cloyingly overrun with sentimentality or vengeance. Instead, it serves as an interesting exploration of the senses of duty and desire. It seems like the exploitation and tragedies of Hercules, Achilles, and Odysseus have seeped into Philoctetes' life. By the end, he seems to ascend to a self-aware part of mythology itself. While it's very simple, it's quite engaging, and especially emotionally arousing thanks to Heaney's translation.

This story truly gave me goosebumps due to its remarkable relevance in today's world.

It is Seamus Heaney's adaptation of Philoctetes from Greek mythology. In this tale, Achilles's son deceives Philoctetes, who has been left abandoned on an island after being bitten by a snake, into relinquishing his powerful bow. Heaney takes certain liberties with the original story, but that didn't bother me at all as I hadn't refreshed my knowledge of the actual Greek mythology before reading this.

More significantly, the themes explored in this story don't necessitate any prior knowledge of Greek mythology. All the corrupt aspects of human nature and the worst of human instincts remain prevalent, despite thousands of years of history repeating itself, which is rather disheartening.

However, the story also holds hope as everything honorable about humans is present too. Heaney tells this age-old story of doing the right thing, of truth and justice, in such a beautiful and concise manner, using a modern and easy-to-understand approach.

This is a story that we need now more than ever, and it even brought me to tears.

An interesting experiment indeed, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite pan out. There is a strange sense about it when a modern writer delves into this particular material. It seems to be out of sync with the present time and space, and is little more than an interesting observation on Ancient Greek theatre. Nevertheless, Heaney is an outstanding writer, and although the project may not be entirely successful, it is still highly intriguing. One can't help but be drawn in by the idea of a modern take on such an ancient art form. The attempt to merge the old and the new is both bold and fascinating, even if it doesn't achieve complete success. It makes one wonder what other possibilities there might be for reinterpreting and revitalizing ancient literary traditions in a modern context.

I have decided to add a bit of art and literature to shake up my long list of fun reads.

Sophocles' tale, which has endured through the ages, continues to resonate even in the crazy world of USA 2018.

His works are like precious gems that offer unique perspectives on human nature, emotions, and the complex web of life.

In a society that often seems chaotic and filled with uncertainties, Sophocles' stories provide a sense of stability and wisdom.

They make us reflect on our own actions, decisions, and the consequences that follow.

By delving into his literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

It is a journey of discovery that enriches our minds and souls.

So, I look forward to immersing myself in the works of Sophocles and uncovering the hidden treasures within.

Who knows what new insights and revelations await me?

It's an exciting adventure that I can't wait to embark on.

Debating between 3 and 4 stars. I read this in college at some point, but I liked it more this time around. It's quite an interesting experience to revisit a work and find that my perception has changed.

I feel like it has some good points that I want to sit with for a bit. There are certain aspects of the story or the ideas presented that really make me think. It makes me wonder about different interpretations and how they might apply to my own life or the world around me.

It would be an interesting play to see. Visualizing the characters and the scenes on stage would add another dimension to the experience. I can imagine the emotions and the interactions between the characters coming to life in a whole new way. It would be a great opportunity to further explore the themes and messages of the play. Overall, while I'm still debating the star rating, I'm definitely glad I gave this work another chance.

Excellent

This is an excellent and highly engaging adaptation of Sophocles' Philoctetes. It may not be the most precise word for word translation, yet it manages to truly capture the essence and spirit of the story. The adaptation brings to life the complex characters and their emotions in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. For those who are fans of the classics, this adaptation is highly recommended. It offers a fresh perspective on a timeless tale, allowing readers to experience the story in a new and exciting way. Whether you are a seasoned scholar of Greek tragedy or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this adaptation of Philoctetes is sure to delight and inspire.

History often seems to convey a message of pessimism, telling us not to hope on this side of the grave. It implies that the harsh realities and the weight of the past make it difficult to envision a better future. However, there are rare moments in history when something truly remarkable occurs. Once in a lifetime, the longed-for tidal wave of justice can suddenly rise up. It is in these moments that hope and history begin to rhyme. When justice prevails, it gives us a glimmer of hope that change is possible and that a better world can be achieved. These moments serve as a reminder that despite the challenges and setbacks we face, we should never lose hope. They inspire us to keep fighting for what is right and to believe that history can take a turn for the better.

I read it because of the famous quote "History says Don't Hope on this side of the grave...". This quote is truly beautiful and has a certain allure that catches one's attention.

However, when it comes to the rest of the play, it doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by that wonderful quote. The story may lack the depth and complexity that one might have hoped for.

The characters could perhaps be more fully developed, and the plot might not be as engaging or thought-provoking as it could be.

Nevertheless, it's important to note that everyone's perception of a play can vary, and there may be aspects of it that others find more appealing.

Overall, while the famous quote is a gem, the play as a whole has its limitations.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, a single powerful line can overshadow the rest of the work.

But it also encourages us to look beyond the surface and explore the various elements of a piece to form a more comprehensive understanding.

Perhaps with further analysis and reflection, we can discover hidden treasures within the play that we initially overlooked.

The word "impeccable" is truly a remarkable term. It implies a state of being flawless, without any blemishes or errors.

When something is described as impeccable, it means that it has achieved the highest level of perfection. It could refer to a person's appearance, which is immaculately presented, with every detail in place.

Or it could describe someone's behavior, which is above reproach and always adheres to the highest standards of conduct.

In a broader sense, impeccable can also be used to describe a work of art, a performance, or a piece of writing.

It suggests that the creator has put in extraordinary effort to ensure that every aspect of the work is of the utmost quality.

Overall, the concept of impeccable represents an ideal that we all strive for, whether it is in our personal lives or in our professional endeavors.

It serves as a reminder that with dedication, hard work, and attention to detail, we can achieve a level of excellence that is truly remarkable.

The original text seems rather unclear and perhaps contains some inappropriate or unclear references. However, I will try to expand and rewrite it in a way that makes more sense while keeping some of the original elements.

Once upon a time, there was an article that was truly remarkable. It was described as very very beautiful. But there was a strange request associated with it. It was asked to burn away all associations with something called "bidenic." What exactly this meant was a bit of a mystery. But perhaps it was an attempt to distance the masterpiece from any particular political or ideological connotations.

The beauty of the article was such that it seemed to have a life of its own. It could stand on its own merits, without being tied down by external associations. Maybe by burning away those "bidenic" associations, it could shine even brighter and be appreciated for its true essence.

As we look at this rewritten and expanded version, we can only wonder what the original author had in mind when making that unusual request. But regardless, the beauty of the article remains, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by all who come across it.

It's important to note that if the original text was intended to convey something else or had a different context, this rewrite may not fully capture its intended meaning. Additionally, the use of the term "bidenic" in an unclear or perhaps inappropriate way may require further clarification or a more appropriate substitution to ensure the text is both meaningful and respectful.

Lovely healing words have the power to soothe our souls and bring comfort in times of distress. They are like gentle whispers that caress our hearts and make us feel better. These words can be as simple as "I'm here for you" or as profound as "You are stronger than you think." They have the ability to turn a bad day into a good one and give us the courage to face our challenges. Whether it's a kind gesture, a warm smile, or a few kind words, they all have the potential to heal and make a difference in someone's life. Let's spread more lovely healing words and make the world a better place.

I have a great desire to witness it being performed.

The anticipation within me is growing stronger with each passing moment. I can vividly imagine the stage being set, the lights dimming, and the actors or performers taking their positions.

The thought of seeing the story unfold right before my eyes, with all its emotions, drama, and excitement, is truly thrilling.

I wonder how the performers will bring the characters to life, how they will convey the message and essence of the piece.

It could be a musical, a play, a dance performance, or any other form of art.

Regardless of what it is, I know that it will be a memorable experience.

I can't wait to be a part of the audience, to be immersed in the world of the performance and to be moved by it.

It will be a moment that I will cherish and remember for a long time.