"Hippolytus"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the play "Hippolytus" by the Greek playwright Euripides which explores classical Greek religion. It discusses how throughout the play, the influence of the gods on the actions of the characters is evident, especially when Aphrodite affects the actions of Phaedra and also how central to the plot is the god-god interactions between Artemis and Aphrodite. It attempts to determine whether the Greek view of their gods was governed in a frame work of forgiveness and mercy or whether they believed that they, the Greeks, were only pawns to be pushed in and out of life's joys and sorrows. It evaluates whether the characters concern themselves with the reaction of the gods to their behavior as well as what they expect from the gods and what the gods expect of the human behavior.

From the Paper:

"The thoughts and actions of Hippolytus and Phaedra are irrational at times. After all, a stepmother falling in love with her stepson is unlikely, but probably even less acceptable. This is directly related to the gods. What Aphrodite does to Phaedra causes her to do some strange things. For instance, first Phaedra seems to go crazy, and then she decides to hide her new-found love for Hippolytus from the nurse. Later, though, she decides to tell the nurse, and when she finds that the nurse has told Hippolytus, decides that the only logical course of action is to kill herself. This action is certainly related to the gods because Aphrodite makes it look as if Phaedra's suicide is really the fault of Hippolytus. Some of Hippolytus' actions are related to the gods as well. When Theseus discovers that Phaedra is dead and decides to exile Hippolytus, Hippolytus does object to his banishment, but eventually he stops arguing with his father."

More papers on "Hippolytus":

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• Analytical Essay # 14230 : "Hippolytus" ( Euripides ), "King Lear" ( Shakespeare ) and " 'tis Pity She's A Whore" ( John Ford )"
• Essay # 58835 : "Chorus in Ancient Greek Drama"

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