Phèdre
Overview
"Phèdre" is a tragic French play written by Jean Baptiste Racine, one of the most important playwrights of the 17th century. The play was first performed in 1677 at the Hôtel de Bourgogne, the residence of the French royal family in Paris. The story of "Phèdre" is based on ancient Greek and Roman sources, particularly the works of Euripides and Seneca.
Plot
The plot of "Phèdre" revolves around the tragic fate of its titular character, Phèdre, the wife of Theseus, the king of Athens. Phèdre is consumed by an illicit and overwhelming passion for her stepson, Hippolytus, a passion that ultimately leads to her downfall and death. The play explores themes of love, guilt, honor, and the destructive power of uncontrolled desire.
Characters
The main characters in "Phèdre" are:
- Phèdre: The wife of Theseus and the stepmother of Hippolytus. She is the tragic heroine of the play, tormented by her forbidden love for Hippolytus.
- Hippolytus: The son of Theseus and Antiope, queen of the Amazons. He is the object of Phèdre's desire, but he is in love with Aricia, a captive princess.
- Theseus: The king of Athens and the husband of Phèdre. He is believed to be dead at the beginning of the play, but he returns in the third act.
- Aricia: A captive princess who is in love with Hippolytus.
- Oenone: Phèdre's nurse and confidante, who encourages her to reveal her feelings to Hippolytus.
Themes
"Phèdre" explores several themes, including:
- Forbidden Love: The central theme of the play is Phèdre's illicit passion for Hippolytus. This forbidden love is portrayed as a destructive force that leads to guilt, shame, and ultimately, death.
- Guilt and Shame: Phèdre is tormented by guilt and shame because of her feelings for Hippolytus. She struggles with her desire and her sense of morality, which heightens the tragic tension in the play.
- Fate and Free Will: The characters in "Phèdre" are often at the mercy of forces beyond their control, such as the gods and their own passions. This raises questions about fate and free will, and whether the characters are truly responsible for their actions.
- Honor and Reputation: The characters in "Phèdre" are deeply concerned with honor and reputation. Hippolytus, for example, is determined to maintain his honor, even at the cost of his own life.
Reception and Legacy
"Phèdre" is considered one of Racine's masterpieces and one of the greatest tragedies in French literature. It has been praised for its poetic language, psychological depth, and exploration of intense human emotions. The character of Phèdre, in particular, has been recognized as one of the most complex and compelling characters in dramatic literature.
The play has had a significant influence on later literature and drama. It has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms, including operas, films, and novels. It continues to be performed and studied today, more than three centuries after its first performance.