Phaedra

Drama | Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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 Sketch the character of Phaedra as a woman of high passion.

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 Sketch the character of Phaedra as a woman of high passion. [NU: 2021] 

Or, Why is Phaedra still a tragic character despite her questionable conduct? 

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE – 65 CE) wrote Phaedra around 50–60 CE. In this tragedy, Phaedra stands as a woman of uncontrollable passion. Her heart burns with forbidden love for Hippolytus. Her struggle between desire and duty makes her one of Seneca’s most tragic characters.

Victim of Uncontrolled Desire: Phaedra becomes a victim of her own passionate love. She says, 

“A malady feeds and grows within my heart.” 

Her love burns like fire from Mount Etna. She knows her love is sinful, but cannot resist it. Her passion is both powerful and destructive.

Conflict Between Passion and Reason: Phaedra’s heart fights between lust and shame. She cries, 

“I know…….thou sayest is true; but passion forces me.” 

She wishes to control her feelings but fails. Her reason is weak before her wild emotions.

Boldness in Love: Her passion makes her fearless. She openly declares love to Hippolytus and kneels before him. She says, 

“See, a king’s daughter lies fallen at thy knees.” 

Her royal pride breaks under her burning desire. Her bold act shows the madness of her love.

Repentance and Tragic Death: When Hippolytus rejects her, Phaedra feels shame and despair. She finally admits her guilt and kills herself. Her suicide proves the depth of her emotions and her tragic humanity.

In short, Phaedra is a woman of high passion and deep emotion. Her burning desire, inner conflict, and painful repentance make her both guilty and pitiable. Seneca presents passion as her greatest strength and ruin.   

 

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Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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