Beginning of Essay
Philoctetes, the bowman, is a most haunting and ambiguous character of Sophocles. He represents the pain which the world subjects all creative people to. Keeping his simplicity and innocence in a world of confusion and lies ends up being his greatest challenge. ....

Middle of Essay
.... the son of Achilles. He tells him the story of how he was left on the island, crippled and dying. He then asks Neoptolemus to take him back with him, and to just not leave him on the island all alone. Neoptolemus agrees to take Philoctetes back with him, and he is overjoyed once again. A sailor disguised as a trader then enters the scene and tells a tale to Neoptolemus of how he is in great danger and must be very careful. Philoctetes believes that Neoptolemus is actually in great danger so he suggests that they leave as soon as possible. He tells them the few things that he owns, including the bow. Philoctetes is greatly impressed by the bow ....