How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
IO. What means of escape, what cure for my affliction? Reveal it, if you know it: speak and tell it to the wretched wandering maiden. (600-608)
It's a lot easier to endure suffering if you know when it's going to end. Want an idea of what Io feels like? Imagine sitting underground in an unairconditioned subway car, with no idea what's going on or when you're going to move again. Yeah. You're scared now.
Quote #8
PROMETHEUS. You are groaning, and full of fear, so early? Wait until you have learned the rest as well!
CHORUS. Speak, tell us all. For the afflicted, you know, it is pleasant to understand clearly in advance the pain they have still to suffer. (696-699)
Prometheus seems to think that it's worse to know what you still have to go through. The Chorus takes the opposite view: they think it's better to know, clearly, what you're going to have to go through. Hm. Maybe if it's only a little suffering ahead, it's better to know about it (making the Chorus right). But maybe, if there's a lot of suffering ahead, it's better not to know (making Prometheus right). Or, hey, maybe it's just better not to suffer at all!
Quote #9
IO. What good does life do me? Why do I not straight away throw myself from this rugged rock, so that I can crash to the ground and be rid of all my troubles? It is better to die once and for all than to suffer terribly all the days of my life. (741-751)
So, when Io does find out how much suffering she still has to endure, she considers suicide. (Do you blame her?) Prometheus talks her out of it, but it almost proves his point: sometimes it's better not to know how much suffering is in store.