Guide and Chart for Sophocles' Philoctetes

by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Temple University
 
 
Prologue Scene 1 Scene 2 Scene 3 Epilogue
Odysseus and Neoptolemus arrive at Philoctetes' island and discuss the plan to get his bow. Neoptelmus is hesitant to engage in trickery, which is against his nature.  Neoptlemus meets Philoctetes Achilles' son begins the deception by telling of the war and his hatred of the Atreids. Neoptlemus promises to take Philoctetes with him home. A Trader (disguised soldier)< /u> amplifies the deception Philoctetes collapses in pain and asks Neoptlemus to hold the bow, and he pities him deeply, but still, after internal struggle tells him he will be taken to Troy, not home. Odysseus arrives to enforce his earlier order. P. tries to kill O, who decides to abandon P . O and N exit Neoptlemus returns the bow, with Odysseus in hot pursuit. After argument, O. leaves. Philoctetes re-enters and N. promises to take him home, but also rebukes him: "your anger has made a savage of you." P. convinces him not to go to Troy and they begin to depart together The spirit of Heracles orders Philoctetes and Neoptlemus to Troy, where P will be healed and kill Paris. He warns them to respect the gods.
Choral dialogue Stasimon 1 Choral dialogue Exodos
Chorus and Neoptlemus wonder where the helpless cripple is.  Why have the gods punished Philoctetes ? How will I live? "you doomed yourself" Let us all go

Parts played by first actor:
Parts played by second actor:
Parts played by third actor:

Study questions:

  1. Why is the bow so special? Does the bow have any symbolic significance?
  2. Why is Odysseus so afraid of meeting Neoptolemus?
  3. Why should Neoptolemus be so hesitant to do this to help the army?
  4. How does this Odysseus compare with others we've met?
  5. Why does Neoptolemus change his mind?
  6. Is Philoctetes like other Sophoclean heroes? How so or not?
  7. Do you see any influence from Euripides on Sophocles here?
  8. Find two ways in which the handling of the Chorus is unusual in this play
  9. Consider carefully the third actor's parts, especially for the last scene.
  10. Do you find the ending appropriate or incredible?
  11. Does the fact that Athens had long been at war alter your understanding of the play at all?

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