ar but their closeness is not enough to prevent Hephaestus from chaining Prometheus to a rock. Under the threat of the wrath of Zeus, "Be quick, then; put the fetters on him before the Father sees you idling" (l. 57, p. 22). Hephaestus ignores friendship and acts in his own self-interest.
Several other would-be friends lose their friendship when they hear that helping Prometheus means acting against Zeus. Oceanus comes to Prometheus claiming to be his friend for several reasons. He is "sorry for your [Prometheus'] misfortune" and holds Prometheus in great respect (l. 288, p. 29). Oceanus claims that he is Prometheus' firmest friend (l. 297, p. 30), but soon enough he has changed his tune: "I'm anxious to be going" (l. 394, p. 32). Oceanus leaves amid the shouts of Prometheus, "Go! Get out! Be what you are!" (l. 393, p. 32). Prometheus is understandably upset that his "firmest friend" has left him. Oceanus is being himself by acting only in his own interest. He isn't a real friend. Oceanus and Hephaestus are being friends solely because of the weak bonds of being related. Their utilitarian motives quickly take over. They are more concerned about themselves than their friend.
The friendship between the chorus and Prometheus is based on non-utilitarian motives. When the chorus see what has been done to Prometheus they are angered and sad (l. 246, p. 28). The chorus stay with him until the end when they "scatter in all directions" (l. 1094, p. 52). The chorus try to be loyal friends: "I will stay with Prometheus, come what must. I was taught to hate those who desert their friends" (l. 1065, p. 52). But the power of Zeus is too much for the chorus to resist. The only friendship that survives the wrath of Zeus is the friendship between Prometheus and the humans.
It is clear that Prometheus is not a friend to humans for utilitarian reasons because he gives so much to humans and receives so little in return. Pro...