In A Raisin in the Sun, George addresses Walter as "Prometheus" in Scene 1 to mock Walter's grand, ambitious business dreams and simultaneously highlight George's own intellectual superiority and disdain for Walter's aspirations.
Understanding the Allusion
The reference to "Prometheus" is a classical allusion to Greek mythology:
- Prometheus was a Titan (a demigod) who defied the gods, particularly Zeus, by stealing fire from Mount Olympus and giving it to humanity. This act symbolized bringing knowledge, civilization, and progress to mankind.
- However, Prometheus's act also led to his severe punishment by Zeus, who chained him to a rock where an eagle would daily eat his liver, which would then regenerate overnight, ensuring endless torment.
George's Intent Behind the Allusion
George's choice to call Walter "Prometheus" is laden with his sophisticated yet condescending perspective:
- Mockery of Walter's Ambition: By likening Walter to Prometheus, George implicitly mocks Walter's grand business dreams, particularly his desire to invest in a liquor store. George sees these plans as overly ambitious, potentially foolish, and perhaps even hubristic, implying they might lead to Walter's downfall just as Prometheus's ambition led to his suffering. George views Walter's aspirations as ill-conceived and naive, contrasting them with his own more "enlightened" and pragmatic (in his view) worldview.
- Display of George's Superiority: The allusion also serves to draw attention to George's own extensive knowledge of classical literature and mythology. By using such a specific and learned reference, George positions himself as intellectually superior to Walter, who struggles to understand the deeper meaning of the comparison. In effect, George is placing himself in a position akin to a god, looking down on Walter's "Promethean" struggles and perhaps even foreseeing his inevitable "punishment" or failure, much like Zeus punished Prometheus. This reinforces George's elitist attitude and his belief in the irrelevance of Walter's working-class struggles and dreams.
In essence, George uses this complex allusion not as a compliment, but as a subtle yet cutting jab, demonstrating his condescension and the significant class and intellectual divide between himself and Walter.
