In Hesiod’s version of the Pandora myth, hope remained inside the jar.
After Pandora opened the container, evils escaped into the world, but Hope stayed inside because the lid was closed. This is the source of the familiar image of hope surviving among humanity’s troubles.
The Greek word translated as “hope” is elpis. Scholars and readers have debated whether Hesiod presents it as a benefit withheld from humans or as another harmful expectation trapped in the jar. The poem itself does not settle that interpretation clearly.
Another frequent mistake is to say that Hope escaped last. In the usual reading of Hesiod’s passage, Hope remained inside when Pandora closed the container. Later retellings often turn the detail into an uncomplicated message of optimism.