How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #10
HERMES. This is just the kind of arrogant behavior by which you landed yourself in this trouble in the first place.
PROMETHEUS. I can tell you for sure, I wouldn't exchange my misfortunes for your servitude.
HERMES. Oh, I suppose it's better to be in servitude to this rock than to be the trusted messenger of my father Zeus!
PROMETHEUS. < >! That is how one ought to insult the insolent. (964-979)
The part of this quotation that is enclosed in "< >" diamond brackets shows a passage that is missing in the original manuscript of the play. The translator of the edition we're using, Alan H. Sommerstein, says in his footnote (p. 549) that the missing passage must be some extremely offensive insult against Hermes. This passage certainly presents the climax of Prometheus's hostile attitude toward Hermes. Hermes accuses Prometheus of being needlessly prideful; Prometheus replies by saying that he'd rather be prideful than be a stooping suck-up like Hermes. Once the debate has sunk to this level, there's really nowhere else for it to go. That means it's time for the audience to judge. So, who do you think wins? Does Hermes carry the day with his suggestion that Prometheus is just pigheaded, or does Prometheus, with his argument that pride is sometimes worth it?