Hippolytus (play)
Overview
Hippolytus is an ancient Greek tragedy by the playwright Euripides. It was first produced in 428 BCE for the City Dionysia festival in Athens, where it won first prize. The play is based on the myth of Hippolytus, a son of Theseus, who is caught in a tragic web of love, honor, and divine retribution. Euripides' treatment of the story is notable for its exploration of human psychology and the complex interplay between human and divine actions.
Plot Summary
The play opens with a prologue by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who reveals her intention to punish Hippolytus for his disdain towards her and his exclusive devotion to Artemis, the goddess of chastity and the hunt. Aphrodite's plan involves making Phaedra, Hippolytus' stepmother, fall desperately in love with him.
Phaedra struggles with her forbidden love, which she initially tries to conceal. Her nurse, however, discovers the truth and, despite Phaedra's protests, reveals her feelings to Hippolytus. Horrified and disgusted, Hippolytus rejects Phaedra and vows to keep her secret. Phaedra, fearing disgrace, writes a letter accusing Hippolytus of attempting to seduce her and then takes her own life.
Theseus, Phaedra's husband and Hippolytus' father, returns and finds the letter. Enraged, he curses his son, calling upon his father, Poseidon, to punish Hippolytus. Poseidon sends a sea monster that frightens Hippolytus' horses, causing a fatal accident. As Hippolytus lies dying, Artemis appears and reveals the truth to Theseus, who is left to mourn the loss of his innocent son.
Characters
Hippolytus
Hippolytus is the son of Theseus and an Amazon queen. He is characterized by his chastity and devotion to Artemis, which sets him at odds with Aphrodite. His rejection of Phaedra's advances and his adherence to his principles ultimately lead to his tragic downfall.
Phaedra
Phaedra is the wife of Theseus and stepmother to Hippolytus. She is a complex character, torn between her illicit love for Hippolytus and her sense of honor. Her internal struggle and eventual suicide are central to the play's tragic arc.
Theseus
Theseus is the king of Athens and father of Hippolytus. His role in the play is marked by his quickness to believe Phaedra's false accusation and his subsequent curse on Hippolytus, which he later regrets.
Aphrodite
Aphrodite, the goddess of love, serves as the catalyst for the play's events. Her desire for revenge against Hippolytus sets the tragic events in motion.
Artemis
Artemis is the goddess of chastity and the hunt, and Hippolytus' patron. She appears at the end of the play to reveal the truth and condemn Aphrodite's actions.
Themes
Divine Retribution
The play explores the theme of divine retribution, particularly how the gods' interventions in human affairs can lead to tragic outcomes. Aphrodite's vengeance against Hippolytus for his neglect of her worship exemplifies this theme.
Honor and Shame
Honor and shame are central to the characters' motivations and actions. Phaedra's fear of dishonor leads her to accuse Hippolytus falsely, and Theseus' sense of honor drives him to curse his son without seeking the truth.
Human Psychology
Euripides delves into the complexities of human psychology, particularly through Phaedra's character. Her internal conflict and the nurse's misguided attempts to help her highlight the fragile nature of human emotions and the consequences of their mismanagement.
Literary Devices
Irony
Irony is prevalent throughout the play, particularly in the contrast between the characters' intentions and the outcomes of their actions. For example, Phaedra's attempt to preserve her honor leads to her disgrace and death, and Theseus' curse on Hippolytus results in the loss of his innocent son.
Foreshadowing
The play uses foreshadowing to build tension and anticipation. Aphrodite's prologue sets the stage for the tragic events, and Phaedra's initial reluctance to reveal her feelings hints at the impending disaster.
Symbolism
Symbolism is used to enhance the play's themes and characterizations. Hippolytus' devotion to Artemis symbolizes his purity and chastity, while the sea monster sent by Poseidon represents the destructive power of divine retribution.
Reception and Legacy
Hippolytus was well-received in its time, winning first prize at the City Dionysia. Its exploration of complex themes and human psychology has made it a subject of enduring interest in classical studies. The play has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms, including Racine's Phèdre and Sarah Kane's Phaedra's Love.