Comment on the way of life of Hippolytus.
PremiumComment on the way of life of Hippolytus. [NU: 2021] ★★★
Or, Discuss the pattern of life spent by Hippolytus. [NU: 2018]
Or, Justify Hippolytus as a tragic hero.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE – 65 CE) wrote Phaedra between 50 and 60 CE. In this tragedy, Hippolytus appears as a noble but proud hero. His purity, courage, and devotion to virtue make him admirable. Yet his extreme pride and false judgment lead him to a tragic fall.
Noble Birth and Moral Purity: Hippolytus is the son of King Theseus and the Amazon Antiope. He lives a simple and pure life in the forest. He says,
His noble birth and virtue make him a true tragic figure.“There is no life so free and innocent.”
Hatred of Sin and Women: Hippolytus hates women and refuses love. He says,
n: center;">“The leader of all wickedness is woman.” His pride in his own chastity blinds him to human weakness. His hatred later causes misunderstanding and tragedy.Victim of False Accusation: Phaedra’s false charge destroys his good name. His father, Theseus, believes the lie and curses him through Neptune. The sea god sends a monster that kills him. Though innocent, Hippolytus suffers a painful death, like every tragic hero.
Courage and Dignity in Death: Even when dying, Hippolytus shows courage and calmness. His fall earns pity and respect. His moral purity makes his death deeply moving and heroic.
In short, Hippolytus is a tragic hero because his noble nature, moral strength, and undeserved suffering bring both admiration and sorrow. His fall from innocence to death perfectly fulfills Seneca’s idea of tragic greatness.