Overview
This lecture covers the plot and main themes of Euripides’ tragedy "Hippolytus," focusing on the destructive power of desire, misunderstandings between mortals and gods, and the tragic consequences of pride, virtue, and family secrets.
Characters and Setting
- The play is set in front of the royal palace of Troezen.
- Main characters: Hippolytus (son of Theseus), Phaedra (Theseus' wife), Theseus (exiled king of Athens), Aphrodite (goddess of love), Artemis (goddess of chastity), Nurse, Servant, Messenger, and Chorus of Troezen women.
Plot Summary
- Aphrodite vows revenge on Hippolytus for neglecting her worship and glorifying Artemis’ chastity.
- Phaedra becomes consumed by forbidden love for Hippolytus, her stepson, due to Aphrodite’s influence.
- The Nurse learns of Phaedra’s feelings and tells Hippolytus, despite Phaedra’s pleas for secrecy.
- Hippolytus rejects and reviles Phaedra, swearing to keep silent but showing scorn for all women.
- Phaedra, shamed and desperate, commits suicide, leaving a note falsely accusing Hippolytus of rape.
- Theseus returns, reads the note, and curses Hippolytus using a deadly wish granted by Poseidon.
- Hippolytus is fatally wounded in a chariot accident caused by a supernatural bull from the sea.
- Artemis appears, revealing Hippolytus’ innocence and the truth about Phaedra’s desire and death.
- Hippolytus forgives Theseus before dying; Artemis promises future honors for Hippolytus.
Major Themes
- The destructive power of passion imposed by the gods.
- The limits of human virtue and the dangers of excessive pride or chastity.
- Miscommunication, secrecy, and their tragic fallout within families.
- The arbitrary nature of fate and the tension between mortal and divine intentions.
- Gender roles and the suspicion of women’s virtue in Greek society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Chastity — abstaining from sexual activity; highly valued by Hippolytus.
- Hubris — excessive pride or defiance toward the gods, often leading to downfall.
- Fate — predetermined outcomes often set by the gods, unavoidable by mortals.
- Supplicant — one who humbly petitions, especially by grasping knees, invoking a moral/religious duty to grant the request.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the motivations and choices of each main character, focusing on how pride and secrecy affect outcomes.
- Compare the roles of Aphrodite and Artemis and their influence on human affairs.
- Prepare notes on how ancient Greek tragedy portrays gender and divine justice for class discussion.