How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
IO. Finally a clear word came to Inachus, plainly telling and enjoining him to thrust me out of my house and my native place, to wander unprotected on the furthest confines of the land; and that if he refused, a fiery thunderbolt would come from Zeus that would annihilate the entire family. (655-672)
Io says that her father was just following the advice of Apollo. Fair enough. But notice how Io ends this passage: she says that her father was "compelled […] against his will to act thus." In other words, she's saying that the oracles' message meant that her father no longer had free will. Really? He couldn't have stood up and said, "No thanks, I'm not sending my daughter off to be raped"?
Quote #8
CHORUS. Destiny, destiny! I shudder when I see what Io is experiencing! (687-695)
So, the chorus is really bummed about what Io's experiencing. Seems like the right reaction. But notice that they blame "Destiny" for what's happened to her, even though they've just heard about Zeus's role in all of it. Does this mean that the Chorus has bought into Prometheus's theory that Zeus isn't more powerful than fate? If so, does this mean that the Chorus clears Zeus of all responsibility?
Quote #9
IO. Is he to be removed from his throne by his wife?
PROMETHEUS. She will bear a son superior to his father.
IO. And is there no escape for him from that fate?
PROMETHEUS. None, unless I were to provide it after being released from my bonds.
IO. And who is going to release you, against the will of Zeus?
PROMETHEUS. It is destined to be one of your offspring. (767-774)
Here's some info on how Prometheus uses his knowledge of fate and the future to wield power. For one thing, Prometheus's first argument—that he can help Zeus get out of the first of these problems, provided Zeus releases him—is a bit weird. Think about it: Prometheus thinks he can alert Zeus to the problem because it's fated, and Prometheus knows fate. But if it's fated, how can Prometheus do anything to change it? Furthermore, how can Prometheus use this knowledge as a bargaining chip to get Zeus to release him from his chains when his other prophecy says he's fated to be released by a descendent of Io? Ok, so maybe this didn't give us that much insight after all. Anyone have some Advil?