Prometheus Unbound

Act I opens at night on a ravine in the Indian Caucasus. Prometheus is bound to a mountain face. The Oceanids (ocean nymphs) Panthea and Ione are seated below him. 

In a blank verse monologue, Prometheus calls out for Jupiter to recognize the suffering of the people on Earth. Prometheus is willing to endure torment for his rebellion against Jupiter and compares his travails to the suffering of Nature. He does not hate Jupiter but pities him. He wants to remember how he cursed Jupiter. The voices of the mountains, springs, air, and whirlwinds describe witnessing the pain of humanity and Prometheus. The Earth echoes their sentiments.

Prometheus acknowledges these voices. He laments those who have been oppressed by Jupiter (Jove) and calls on them to join him. The Earth replies that they are too afraid to do so. Prometheus asks the Earth to tell him how he cursed Jupiter. The Earth praises Prometheus as “more than God / Being wise and kind” (I.145). She introduces herself to Prometheus as Mother Earth. She once emanated joy until the tyrannical Jupiter oppressed her and chained Prometheus to the cliff.