Summary:
“Prometheus” is a poem by Lord Byron, first published in 1816. It is inspired by the Greek mythological figure Prometheus, who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity and was punished by Zeus. Byron’s poem presents Prometheus as a symbol of resistance, suffering, and defiance against tyranny.
The poem praises Prometheus for his unbreakable spirit, portraying him as a tragic hero who suffers for the benefit of humanity. Unlike the traditional myth, Byron’s Prometheus does not seek revenge or relief but endures pain with dignity and defiance. The poem reflects Romantic ideals, particularly individualism, rebellion, and human resilience. It is often seen as an expression of Byron’s own struggles against oppression and societal norms.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Prometheus?
A) Percy Bysshe Shelley
B) John Keats
C) Lord Byron
D) William Wordsworth
Answer: C) Lord Byron - When was Prometheus first published?
A) 1816
B) 1818
C) 1820
D) 1822
Answer: A) 1816 - Which mythological figure is the poem Prometheus based on?
A) Hercules
B) Prometheus
C) Achilles
D) Odysseus
Answer: B) Prometheus
Prometheus - What did Prometheus do to anger Zeus?
A) Stole ambrosia from the gods
B) Gave fire to humanity
C) Led a rebellion against Mount Olympus
D) Hid the secret of immortality
Answer: B) Gave fire to humanity - What punishment did Zeus give Prometheus in Greek mythology?
A) Turned him into a mortal
B) Banished him to the Underworld
C) Chained him to a rock while an eagle ate his liver daily
D) Forced him to fight in eternal wars
Answer: C) Chained him to a rock while an eagle ate his liver daily - How does Byron depict Prometheus in the poem?
A) As a coward who regrets his actions
B) As a heroic figure who suffers with dignity
C) As a villainous trickster
D) As a powerful king ruling over mortals
Answer: B) As a heroic figure who suffers with dignity - What does Prometheus symbolize in Byron’s poem?
A) Tyranny and power
B) Human suffering, resistance, and defiance
C) Fear and submission to the gods
D) The pursuit of wealth
Answer: B) Human suffering, resistance, and defiance - What is the central theme of the poem Prometheus?
A) The beauty of nature
B) The corruption of power
C) Defiance against oppression and the endurance of suffering
D) The importance of romantic love
Answer: C) Defiance against oppression and the endurance of suffering - Which literary movement does Prometheus belong to?
A) Enlightenment
B) Realism
C) Romanticism
D) Modernism
Answer: C) Romanticism - How does Prometheus endure his punishment in Byron’s poem?
A) He begs the gods for forgiveness
B) He escapes from his chains
C) He accepts his suffering with silent dignity
D) He is rescued by Hercules
Answer: C) He accepts his suffering with silent dignity
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Prometheus |
| Author | Lord Byron |
| Year Published | 1816 |
| Mythological Basis | Greek Titan Prometheus |
| Main Themes | Rebellion, Suffering, Endurance, Defiance |
| Poetic Structure | Free Verse (No strict rhyme scheme) |
| Tone | Defiant, Heroic, Melancholic |
| Symbolism | Prometheus represents human struggle against oppression |
| Connection to Byron’s Life | Reflects his own defiance against societal norms and authority |