Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 6. Kilburn, Kenneth, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1959 (unrenewed copyright).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This prose work is an essay in which the author, Lucian, reflects on his own literary creative attitude after being labeled by someone as a "Prometheus in words." The author begins by arguing that if this metaphor merely implies novelty or the strangeness of the material, it is not worthy of genuine praise. He then introduces a historical anecdote about King Ptolemy presenting bizarre spectacles to an unappreciative Egyptian audience, demonstrating that true artistic value lies in harmony and beauty rather than mere novelty. Furthermore, the author discusses his own innovative attempt to fuse "dialogue" and "comedy," two genres that are inherently opposite. While expressing a self-deprecating concern that this blend might result in an inharmonious monster, he ultimately reaffirms his commitment to pursuing a well-balanced and beautiful creation rather than relying on superficial novelty.