Euripides’ Hippolytus Artemis’ informative speech to Hippolytus not only displays the dramatic irony present throughout the play, but also solidifies many predominant themes present during the play. This passage summarizes the entire play as Artemis describes the plans of the characters, going on to blame Phaedra, the Nurse, Aphrodite, and Theseus. (Halleran, 276) Through Artemis’ passage (Euripides, 1283-1312), the truth about Phaedra and Hippolytus, unknown and misunderstood by Theseus, finally
The Hippolytus is a great example of how when everyone tries to do the right thing it can still end up terribly wrong. Phaedra knows that her desires are wrong, so she decides to take the more accepted, but still gruesome, way out of her feelings, The Nurse doesn’t want to see her mistress die so she seeks help, Hippolytus is disgusted at the news, but keeps his oath to not tell anyone, and Theseus gets very angry and casts out the “murderer” just like anyone else would. Even though there is a lot
his plays with a speech, which gives background information and informs the reader what is going to occur later on in Hippolytus. Although this gives away the surprise to the reader right from the start, it allows them to understand the reasoning behind the motive and gives a better understanding. In the beginning scene, Aphrodite gives a speech about her hatred towards Hippolytus, considering he did the worst thing possible, by not worship her since he hunts all day and does not believe in sex. She
In Euripides’ Greek Tragedy, Hippolytus, he tells the familiar myth of a young man whose stepmother falls in love with him. The female characters of Euripides are often nuanced with dualistic characterizations. While Euripides may present Phaedra as noble for fighting her lustful urges, he ultimately exposes her to the same petty nature as the very goddesses who inflict these desires on her. All of the women in Hippolytus are viewed Eve-like figures who lead men astray, despite their intentions
Female Deception in Hippolytus: The Ruin of Men Works Cited Missing In Ancient Greece, deceit was considered to be part of a woman's nature and an inherent female characteristic. It was generally believed that a good woman was the result of the careful cultivation of her morals by her guardians, and if left to her own devices, a woman was apt to be wicked. The deceit of women is a theme that shows up often in Ancient Greek literature, and many Ancient Greek authors portray
Euripides’ Hippolytus shows three key themes that are significant to the play, by showing the theme of lust, honour and betrayal which are shown from the lines 490-512, they set up the flow of the play and relates directly to the dramatic conflict between the lust and continence of Phaedra and Hippolytus, this scene shows Phaedra to be the true central character of the play since her actions are pivotal to the fate Hippolytus and herself. The extract epitomises the theme of lust. In the exchange
While Onenon, Theseus, Hippolytus, and Phaedra all contribute towards the themes of downfall and death, no one can be identified as the villain of the play. While Theseus the monster killer may curse his son, it is the will of poseidon that ultimately slaughters Hippolytus. While Oenone spreads the false story of Hippolytus’s lechery, acting as Phaedra’s plotter and confidant, it is all done with
Phaedra dies in a very similar fashion. Although Phaedra takes her own life and writes a letter framing Hippolytus for rape, she still puts her reputation at the mercy of both Hippolytus and the nurses because her fate depends on their ability to uphold their vows of silence. With her reputation in the hands of others, Phaedra mimics the man as she yet again puts herself at the mercy of outside
die, and my grim secret dies with me.” (Racine 193) Phaedra has a huge secret: she is in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. She has reoccurring thoughts of suicide, and a desire for this burden to be lifted. Her forbidden passion has a gigantic affect on her mental capability and her ability to be independent. She does not want anyone to know about her repugnant desires for Hippolytus and her mental health slowly begins to weaken as she maintains this information to herself. As we look closer
causes of the majority of problems the characters in Racine’s “Phaedra” have are due to their own passions. This is despite their roles within a society based upon the idea reason rather than passion. An example of this is the fact that Phaedra loves Hippolytus, despite being her stepson, a passion which she very much feels guilty about it, as it is completely against the established norms of their society. She becomes crazed with this passion, attempting to stay within reason by convincing herself that