Upon finishing the play,

Entry #2

Philoctetes, I couldn't help but relate it to the toxic nature of resentment and the process of amends-making.

Philoctetes is alone ten years on an island, having been wronged by a friend, and his resentment is strong enough that he would rather die and rot, becoming food for the birds he brought down with his magic bow and arrows (now having been relieved of both in another deception) rather than forgive or even think about his own survival.

In order to be sober, I must not let the poison of resentment lead me back to drink. In order to live, I must forgive.

Another character, Neoptolemus, younger and not tainted (we suppose) by the betrayal that Philoctetes has suffered, demonstrates amends in action. He cannot in good conscience perpetuate another betrayal.

It takes the intervention of a god, Heracles, to set Philoctetes back on the path of purpose.

Till later....