Empathy and commitment as the basis of trust In Sophocles' Philoctetes, Odysseus orders Neoptolemus to abandon justice and establish a relationship with Philoctetes on dishonesty to gain his trust and ultimately his bow. However, Neoptolemus recognizes that a similar burden falls on Philoctetes and becomes the basis of trust between them. Neoptolemus attempts to reconcile himself to Odysseus's orders by stealing the bow and abandoning Philoctetes. Unable to carry out the orders, Neoptolemus returns to Philoctetes, indicating his commitment and lack of confidence in the Atreidai. Therefore, Sophocles disputes that trust is based on empathy and commitment, as exemplified in the relationship between Philoctetes and Neoptolemus. Empathy constitutes the basis of the trust that exists between Neoptolemus and Philoctetes. Neoptolemus meets Philoctetes and recounts the injustice committed by Odysseus and the Greeks against him. such as “You, monsters, dared to give to someone/other than me/the weapons that rightfully belong to me” in order to gain his trust and steal his bow (ln.365-367). Neoptolemus' initial depiction of the Atreides hierarchy as "monsters" represents the inhumane and untrustworthy nature of leaders such as Odysseus. It is difficult for human beings to establish common ground on which to trust each other; whereas with “monsters,” alienation destroys the existence of any common ground. Neoptolemus' description reflects his alienation with the Greeks and Odysseus. The Atreides and Ulysses define their values ​​as an unjust and justified apathy by refusing to Neoptolemus “the weapons which, by right, are [his]”. Odysseus' entrustment of the armor that Hephaestus made for Achilles and not for Neoptolemus reflects the Atreidai's lack of respect for sacred goods and obligations... middle of paper ... drawing the bow on him of Heracles. Philoctetes is able to sympathize with Neoptolemus' loss of his father's armor by becoming a surrogate father. The two men manage to understand each other based on the mourning imagined by the Greeks. Neoptolemus' growing concern for Philoctetes' well-being indicates the presence of commitment. Neoptolemus refuses to break the bond that Philoctetes maintains with his bow and repents of his loss of justice and shame. Neoptolemus indicates his commitment to the physical and honorary preservation of Philoctetes, by opposing the Greeks. In turn, Philoctetes promises to defend Skyros with his life. The commitment is evident between the two men since sacrifice and support unite them. Empathy and commitment provide the foundation of trust between Philoctetes and Neoptolemus. Trust requires effort and mutual understanding to exist between human beings..