Hippolytus

Summary

The tragedy «Hippolytus» by Euripides tells the story of the tragic fate of Hippolytus, the son of Theseus. A devoted follower of Artemis, Hippolytus rejects the love and worship of Aphrodite, inciting the goddess's wrath. Aphrodite punishes him by making his stepmother, Phaedra, fall in love with him. Unable to cope with her forbidden passion, Phaedra decides to end her life, leaving a letter accusing Hippolytus of attempted rape. Believing the accusations, Theseus curses his son, leading to his demise. In the end, Artemis reveals the truth to Theseus, but it is too late to save Hippolytus.

Main Ideas

• The conflict between human passions and divine laws.
• The tragic consequences of overwhelming love and jealousy.
• The role of fate and inevitability in human life.
• The relationships between gods and mortals.
• Moral and ethical dilemmas related to honor and loyalty.

Historical Context and Significance

«Hippolytus» by Euripides is a tragedy written in 428 BC that explores themes of love, honor, and divine intervention. The play tells the tragic story of Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, and his stepmother Phaedra, who falls in love with him under the influence of the goddess Aphrodite. The historical significance of the play lies in its deep exploration of human emotions and moral dilemmas, as well as its critique of the gods and their interference in human affairs. Its cultural impact is evident in the numerous adaptations and interpretations of this story in literature, theater, and art, as well as its influence on the development of the tragic genre in ancient Greek drama.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Hippolytus - the son of Theseus and the Amazon queen Antiope (or Hippolyta). He is known for his devotion to Artemis and chastity, which brings him into conflict with Aphrodite. Hippolytus rejects love and passion, leading to his tragic fate. Aphrodite punishes him by instilling a mad love for him in his stepmother Phaedra. Hippolytus remains true to his principles until the end, but his innocence does not save him from death.
• Phaedra - the wife of Theseus and stepmother of Hippolytus. She becomes a victim of Aphrodite's wrath, who instills in her a mad love for Hippolytus. Phaedra struggles with this feeling but eventually confesses her love to her nurse. When Hippolytus rejects her, Phaedra, to preserve her honor, accuses him of attempted violence and ends her life by suicide.
• Theseus - the king of Athens, husband of Phaedra, and father of Hippolytus. He believes Phaedra's false accusations and curses his son, leading to tragic consequences. Theseus realizes his mistake only after Hippolytus's death, when Artemis reveals the truth to him.
• Aphrodite - the goddess of love, who plays a key role in the tragedy. She takes revenge on Hippolytus for his disregard for love and passion by instilling a mad love for him in Phaedra. Aphrodite embodies the destructive power of unrequited love and passion.
• Artemis - the goddess of the hunt and chastity, the protector of Hippolytus. She appears at the end of the play to reveal the truth about Hippolytus's innocence and to comfort him before his death. Artemis symbolizes purity and justice.

Interesting Facts

• The play «Hippolytus» was written by Euripides and first performed in 428 BC.
• The main theme of the play is the conflict between human passions and divine will.
• Hippolytus, the main character, is the son of Theseus and the Amazon Hippolyta, and he is known for his devotion to the goddess Artemis and his vow of chastity.
• Phaedra, Hippolytus's stepmother, falls in love with him under the influence of the goddess Aphrodite, leading to tragic consequences.
• The play explores the theme of the destructive power of love and jealousy, as well as questions of honor and morality.
• Euripides uses elements of tragedy and drama in the play to show the complexity of human emotions and conflicts.
• The play «Hippolytus» was highly praised by Euripides's contemporaries and won first prize at the Dionysian festival.

Book Review

«Hippolytus» by Euripides is a tragedy that explores themes of passion, honor, and divine intervention. Critics praise Euripides's skill in creating complex and multi-layered characters, such as Phaedra and Hippolytus. Phaedra, consumed by forbidden love for her stepson, evokes both sympathy and condemnation. Hippolytus, in turn, is portrayed as a pious yet arrogant young man whose devotion to Artemis and disdain for Aphrodite lead to his tragic demise. Critics also emphasize the importance of divine forces in the play, where Aphrodite and Artemis play key roles in the fates of the characters. Euripides masterfully uses dramatic tension and dialogue to reveal the inner conflicts of the characters and the tragic inevitability of their fates. Overall, «Hippolytus» is considered one of Euripides's most powerful and emotionally charged tragedies, demonstrating his deep understanding of human nature and divine intervention in human affairs.