horus in “Phaedra” by Seneca. [NU: 2017] ★★★
Or, How does Chorus contribute to the development of the plot in Seneca’s “Phaedra?” [NU: 2016, 18]
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 B.C.–65 A.D.), a Roman philosopher and playwright, wrote “Phaedra” around 50 A.D. The play tells the Greek story of Queen Phaedra and her forbidden love for her stepson, Hippolytus. Phaedra falls deeply in love with him. However, Hippolytus rejects her advances. Phaedra then falsely accuses Hippolytus of a crime. This leads to his tragic death. Before answering the question, we need to know the function of the Chorus.
The Function of the Chorus: The Chorus plays an important role in the tragedy. They comment on the events, express emotions, and guide the audience. Through their songs and speeches, they show the themes of divine power, human weakness, and moral lessons. Let us analyze the role of the Chorus.
Moral Teachers of the Play: The Chorus acts as moral teachers. They talk about right and wrong actions. They warn against passion and lust. After Phaedra confesses her love, they say:
“Love’s cares overwhelm harsh stepmothers.”
This shows that even strong people fall in love. They remind the audience that passion without reason destroys both peace and honor. Their words teach moral lessons. They reflect Seneca’s Stoic belief in self-control. They help the audience learn through reflection and wisdom.
Voice of Emotion and Suffering: The Chorus speaks the feelings that the main characters often cannot say. They describe fear, pain, and guilt in emotional ways. When Phaedra suffers silently, they describe love as a:
“Wound that eats its way deep into the hidden marrow.”
This picture shows how love slowly destroys the heart. They feel for Phaedra’s pain but also warn against her sin. Their emotional voice helps the audience feel pity and sorrow. They reflect the shared human struggle between passion and morality.
Connection between Gods and Humans: The Chorus connects human actions with divine will. They believe that the gods rule life and fate. When Phaedra suffers under Venus’s curse, they pray:
“O queen of the groves, change for the better these dark threats.”
This prayer to Diana shows their faith in divine mercy. They understand that the tragedy happens because of both human weakness and divine anger. Through their prayers and reflections, they connect moral actions to the gods. They show that human life depends on both fate and reason.
Commentators on the Plot: The Chorus aids the audience in understanding the meaning of each tragic event. After Phaedra’s false accusation of Hippolytus, they say:
“Fate without order rules the affairs of men.”
This comment explains how passion and lies destroy justice. They often stop the action and speak about moral truths behind the events. Their commentary works like a guide for the audience. They show that the story is not just about love and death. It is also about guilt, destiny, and the punishment of human error.
Bring Calm and Balance: The Chorus brings peace after emotional and violent scenes. When the play is filled with anger, they offer calm thoughts. They remind the audience that:
“Beauty is a fleeting thing.”
This makes people think about the shortness of life. They bring balance between emotion and wisdom. Their calm voice prevents the play from becoming too dark. By mixing sorrow with truth, they help the audience find meaning in the tragedy’s painful events.
To conclude, in “Phaedra”, the Chorus is not just a singer or observer. They are moral guides, emotional voices, and thoughtful commentators. They teach lessons about love, guilt, and fate. They pray to the gods and comfort the audience after scenes of suffering. Thus, the Chorus becomes the heart and conscience of Seneca’s “Phaedra.”
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