Hippolytus

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.