Source edition
Seneca, Lucius Annaeus. Tragoediae. Peiper, Rudolf; Richter, Gustav, editors. Leipzig: Teubner, 1921.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This drama, based on Greek mythology, depicts the devastating tragedy of Queen Phaedra, who is consumed by an illicit passion for her stepson. In the absence of her husband, King Theseus of Athens, Phaedra agonizes over her irresistible love for the young hunter Hippolytus. Despite her nurse's attempts to dissuade her, Phaedra confesses her feelings, only to be violently rejected by Hippolytus, who despises women and cherishes his chastity. Fearing exposure, the nurse and Phaedra falsely accuse Hippolytus of assault; upon returning from the underworld, Theseus believes the lie and prays to the sea god for his son's destruction. Hippolytus meets a gruesome death caused by a sea monster, and Phaedra, stricken with guilt, confesses her deception and commits suicide. The play concludes with Theseus in utter despair and remorse, painstakingly assembling the mangled remains of his innocent son for burial.
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