Hippolytus

Definition

Hippolytus is a tragic play written by Euripides that centers on the themes of desire, rejection, and divine retribution. The story follows Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, who is devoted to the goddess Artemis and shuns the romantic advances of Phaedra, his stepmother. This rejection leads to a series of tragic events orchestrated by the vengeful goddess Aphrodite, ultimately resulting in Hippolytus's downfall.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Hippolytus, Aphrodite seeks revenge on Hippolytus for rejecting love, setting off a tragic chain of events.
2. The play features a strong contrast between the characters of Hippolytus and Phaedra, highlighting themes of honor versus passion.
3. Euripides uses dramatic irony throughout the play, as the audience is aware of Phaedra's feelings for Hippolytus while he remains oblivious.
4. Hippolytus's unwavering devotion to Artemis ultimately leads to his tragic fate, illustrating the conflict between divine will and human desire.
5. The play culminates in a confrontation between Theseus and Hippolytus, showcasing themes of misunderstanding and tragic consequences of actions.

Review Questions

• How does Euripides portray the conflict between desire and chastity through the characters of Hippolytus and Phaedra?
  • Euripides presents a stark contrast between Hippolytus's commitment to chastity and Phaedra's overwhelming desire. Hippolytus embodies purity and devotion to Artemis, rejecting romantic advances and thus setting himself against the passions that Phaedra represents. This conflict leads to Phaedra’s tragic desperation and eventual suicide, while Hippolytus’s fate is sealed by misunderstandings stemming from these opposing desires.
• Discuss the role of divine influence in 'Hippolytus' and how it drives the plot forward.
  • Divine influence is central to the plot of 'Hippolytus,' particularly through the actions of Aphrodite. Her desire to punish Hippolytus for rejecting love initiates a tragic sequence where she causes Phaedra to fall in love with him. This manipulation by the gods emphasizes the theme that human lives are often subject to forces beyond their control, leading to their inevitable tragedy. The influence of Artemis also highlights the tensions between divine favor and personal choices.
• Evaluate how Euripides uses dramatic irony in 'Hippolytus' to enhance the tragedy of the narrative.
  • Euripides skillfully employs dramatic irony throughout 'Hippolytus' to intensify the emotional impact of the tragedy. The audience is aware of Phaedra’s secret feelings for Hippolytus while he remains oblivious to her affection. This knowledge creates a sense of impending doom as viewers understand that Phaedra's unrequited love will lead to disastrous consequences. The tragic outcomes arise from this misunderstanding, effectively illustrating how ignorance can lead to irreversible tragedy.

Related terms

Euripides:

An ancient Greek playwright known for his innovative and complex characters, as well as for addressing contemporary social issues in his works.

Phaedra: The wife of Theseus and the mother of Hippolytus, who falls tragically in love with her stepson, leading to devastating consequences.

Artemis:

The goddess of the hunt and wilderness, who is associated with chastity and serves as a protector to Hippolytus in the play.