Summary Theseus has heard Oenone’s story, and he is wild with rage and grief. He cannot doubt that his son has threatened and assaulted his wife; he has seen with his own eyes the sword which Hippolytus left behind with the women. But why did Phaedra herself not tell him […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scenes 1-3Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 4-6
Summary Theseus, Hippolytus, and Theramenes appear, and Theseus goes eagerly toward his wife, but she refuses his embrace, saying she is no longer worthy of it, and flees. Troubled, Theseus asks Hippolytus the meaning of this strange welcome. Hippolytus, embarrassed, suggests that Theseus ask Phaedra to explain; for his part, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 4-6Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 1-3
Summary Left alone with Oenone after hearing that she is the new regent of Athens, Phaedra confesses that she shares Hippolytus’ views on her ability to rule. She cannot even govern her own emotions; how is she to govern a great state? Oenone urges her to take up her duties […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scenes 1-3Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 5-6
Summary Phaedra is hesitant and trembling, telling Oenone in an aside that she has forgotten everything she meant to say. Oenone reminds her that her son’s fate depends upon her skill in handling Hippolytus, and when she confronts him, she addresses him with all the dignity of a queen. Hippolytus, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 5-6Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 2-4
Summary Hippolytus enters and confirms Ismene’s reports. Theseus is dead: Aricia is henceforth free to go where she pleases, to marry if she wills. But Hippolytus has more to add. Athens is uncertain whom to choose to succeed Theseus as its ruler: Phaedra’s older son; Aricia; or himself. He himself […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scenes 2-4Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1
Summary Aricia has just been told by her companion, Ismene, that Hippolytus wishes to see her, that Theseus is dead, and that she is no longer a prisoner. Aricia finds it hard to credit so much good news at once. She is disinclined to believe the story of Theseus’ death […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act I: Scenes 4-5
Summary A servant arrives with startling news: Theseus is dead. Hippolytus has learned of his father’s death from a ship just arrived in port, and Athens is in an uproar. A new ruler must be chosen: Some support the legitimate claim of Phaedra’s oldest son, others favor Hippolytus, some even […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scenes 4-5Summary and Analysis Act I: Scenes 2-3
Summary Oenone says that the queen has risen from her sickbed but wants to take the air alone. The two men retire, and Phaedra arrives; she has barely the strength to walk, but it is not clear whether her weakness is physical or mental. Her train of thought is incoherent, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scenes 2-3Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1
Summary As the play opens, Hippolytus announces to Theramenes, his tutor and friend, his intention of leaving Troezen. Hippolytus is the son of Theseus, king of Troezen and Athens, by his first love, the Amazon Antiope. Theseus is now married to Phaedra, the daughter of his old enemy, Minos of […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1Character List
Phaedra Daughter of the Cretan king Minos and his wife, Pasiphae. She is married to Theseus but in love with his son, Hippolytus. Hippolytus Son of Theseus and Antiope, queen of the Amazons. He is famous for his chastity. Because he rejects with horror his stepmother’s incestuous love, she is […]
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