Aphrodite, also known as Cypris, is no fan of Hippolytus. As goddess of love, she is not pleased with Hippolytus, who carefully avoids romantic entanglements and has dedicated himself to the goddess Artemis, who is a virgin.
Hippolytus is the son of Theseus, who is married to Phaedra, but she is not his mother. Aphrodite causes Phaedra to fall in love with her stepson. Phaedra is horrified by the feelings she cannot control. She is an honorable woman and wants to be faithful to her husband. She is so ill with these conflicting emotions that she stops eating, and her attendants fear for her life.
Phaedra’s nurse, who is her confidante, eventually convinces Phaedra to tell her why she is pining away. Unfortunately, Phaedra’s nurse tells Hippolytus. Her intentions are to help her mistress, but Hippolytus reacts with anger. Now that her secret is out, Phaedra is really distraught.
Just prior to her husband’s return from a journey, Phaedra kills herself leaving a note that accuses Hippolytus of violating her. Theseus believes what Phaedra has said in the note rather than Hippolytus’ declarations that he is innocent and he banishes Hippolytus.
Theseus has been given the gift of three wishes to be granted by the god Poseidon. He wishes for the death of Hippolytus, and so it happens, that while Hippolytus is traveling along a shoreline, a massive wave engulfs him. His horses run wild, and he is dragged. He is returned to Theseus, and as he is dying continues to insist that he is innocent of Phaedra’s charges.
Artemis appears to Theseus as Hippolytus is dying and explains what has transpired. Artemis lays the blame on Aphrodite. Theseus begs forgiveness from Hippolytus and Hippolytus forgives him just before he dies.
Interesting quotes:
…I put no faith in counsellors, who know well to lecture others for presumption, yet themselves have countless troubles of their own. (Phaedra)
Great Zeus, why didst thou, to man’s sorrow, put woman, evil counterfeit, to dwell where shines the sun? If thou wert minded that the human race should multiply, it was not from women they should have drawn their stock, but in thy temples they should have paid gold or iron or ponderous bronze and bought a family…and so in independence dwelt, from women free. (Hippolytus)
I hate a clever woman; never may she set foot in my house who aims at knowing more than women need. (Hippolytus)
I can never satisfy my hate for women, no! not even though some say this is ever my theme, for of a truth they always are evil. (Hippolytus)
On thee in chief this storm of woe hath burst, yet is it some grief to me as well; for when the righteous die, there is no joy in heaven, albeit we try to destroy the wicked, house and home. (Artemis speaking to Theseus)
O, that the race of men could bring a curse upon the gods! (Hippolytus)
So….I really don’t like Hippolytus. He is a major misogynist. I am also feeling negative about Euripides. This is the second play I have read in which he expresses that mankind would be better off if men could procreate without women. The Great Books contain 19 of his plays. I’m only on the third one and hoping that this is not his persistent theme. In any event, his point is moot. So far…women are a necessity for making babies. It will be a sad world if that changes.
