Topic B Shay Neary

[Shay Neary]

Topic B is talking about the allusion that went on in Act 2 Scene 1.
This allusion is when George says “ Goodnight Prometheus” to Walter.
Prometheus was said to be on the of biggest contributions to the human
race. He had gotten into an argument with Zeus because he had stole
fire from him and gave it to some of the people. Prometheus always
wanted to help the mortals, but Zeus punished him for his actions. He
was pinned to a rock by Zeus until he was later released by Hercules.
After being released Prometheus went back to helping the humans again
against Zeus’ discretion. This relates to Walter when he is talking to
George about the liquor business. On page 85 Walter says “ Ain’t you
just about had it yet? Don’t you see no stars gleaming that you cant
reach out and grab?” This shows how Walter will do anything to get
this liquor store and believes anything is possible and will do
anything to fulfill his dream. This relates to Prometheus because even
after being caught by Zeus he still went on trying to help those
people. Both Walter and Prometheus would do whatever it takes to get
what they wanted. That is how the allusion of Prometheus relates to
Walter.

[caroline emma]

I agree with Shay, that Walter, wanting to do anything to invest in
that liquor store, relates to Prometheus, who would do anything to
help man. On the other hand, I think there is a large difference, that
Prometheus had others in mind while Walter has only himself in mind.
This makes me think the allusion may be hinting that Walter relates to
Prometheus in another way. Prometheus, once trapped from Zeus’s
punishment, relied on someone else’s help. He needed Hercules to be
rescued. Walter’s lousy job and struggle to bring in enough money for
his family ends up demonstrating his dependence on Mama. He thinks
only her and her check can save him from everything he’s trapped in. I
do think, however, that this allusion to Prometheus is flexible and
many different interpretations can be considered right, as it doesn’t
get any more specific than “Goodnight, Prometheus”.