'Prometheus Illbound' Summary

In a contemporary setting, Zeus is not a god of the heavens, but a supremely wealthy banker, the embodiment of financial power. Prometheus, bound to his fate, is subject to the relentless hunger of an eagle that devours his liver. This modern Prometheus, unlike his mythological counterpart, is not defiant, but rather a figure of quiet suffering and wry observation. Through his encounters with others, Prometheus becomes a conduit for exploring the absurdity of modern life, the capriciousness of fate, and the struggles of human existence. The eagle, rather than a symbol of divine punishment, becomes a metaphor for the relentless burdens and desires that haunt us all. Gide's "Prometheus Illbound" reimagines the ancient myth with a contemporary sensibility, blending humor, philosophical insight, and a touch of the surreal. The result is a fable that critiques the modern world through the lens of ancient myth, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of power, fortune, and human resilience.