“Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth?” … and then things get really difficult for Job.
In literature, proximity to God (or the gods) can be extremely dangerous to one’s health!
Write a well organized, three to four page essay in which you argue which character, Job or Prometheus suffers more unjustly (by human standards) at the hands of a higher power. Please consider the reason for the suffering, the nature of the suffering, and whether there is any relief (or lack thereof) from the suffering. Please avoid mere plot summary. Try to focus on specific scenes that serve as evidence for your thesis (which character suffers more unjustly).
Please understand that no one here will do your work for you. However, we will be happy to read over whatever you come up with and make suggestions and/or corrections.
Start out by posting your brainstorming; then you should be able to see connections and perhaps a main idea. Please post what you think.
To compare the suffering experienced by Job in the biblical story and Prometheus in Greek mythology, it is important to analyze the reason for their suffering, the nature of their suffering, and the presence or absence of relief from their agonies. Both characters endure immense trials, driven by the actions of higher powers. Through an examination of specific scenes, it becomes clear that Job suffers more unjustly compared to Prometheus.
The reason for Job's suffering is portrayed in the opening verse of the Book of Job, where God praises Job's righteousness to the Devil, saying, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth?" (Job 1:8). God allows the Devil to test Job’s loyalty by stripping away his blessings, including wealth, family, and health. In contrast, Prometheus' suffering stems from his disobedience towards Zeus, the Greek god ruling over the Olympian gods. Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, infuriating Zeus. Consequently, Zeus sentences Prometheus to eternal torment by having an eagle peck at his liver every day, as it regenerates perpetually.
The nature of Job's suffering is profound and multi-dimensional. He not only undergoes financial ruin and the loss of his loved ones but is also afflicted with a severe skin disease, rendering him an outcast within his community. Moreover, Job's friends turn against him, accusing him of hidden wickedness and attributing his suffering to divine punishment. Thus, Job endures physical, emotional, and social agony, with no respite. Prometheus, on the other hand, experiences constant physical agony as the eagle pecks at his liver. Although his suffering is intense and unceasing, it does not extend beyond the physical realm.
Despite facing immense suffering, Job finds relief towards the end of his story. In a powerful encounter with God, Job receives answers to his questions and gains a deeper understanding of divine wisdom. God restores Job's blessings and grants him a flourishing life once more. The relief Job experiences comes in the form of divine intervention and restoration, ultimately bringing him solace and a reaffirmation of his faith. In contrast, Prometheus is devoid of any relief from his suffering. He endures his agony for all eternity with no hope of redemption or respite, forever confined to his torment.
Examining specific scenes, Job's anguish is exemplified through an intense dialogue with his friends. His suffering is heightened as they accuse him of sin and attribute his misfortunes to divine punishment. These interactions showcase Job's emotional torment and the lack of understanding he encounters. The scene where Job curses the day of his birth further emphasizes his anguish and longing for an end to his suffering.
Prometheus' suffering is exemplified in the scene where he is bound to a rock and tormented by the eagle. This vivid image depicts his constant physical agony, as well as the cruel and merciless nature of his punishment.
In conclusion, while both Job and Prometheus endure significant suffering at the hands of higher powers, it is evident that Job suffers more unjustly. His suffering encompasses financial ruin, the loss of loved ones, physical afflictions, and even the condemnation of his peers. Despite this, Job finds relief and restoration through divine intervention and guidance. Prometheus, on the other hand, suffers unending physical torment with no hope of redemption.