Phaedra

Drama | Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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Why Does Hippolytus Feel a Strong Dislike for Women?

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Why does Hippolytus feel a strong dislike for women? 

Hippolytus, the son of Theseus, holds a deep hate for women in “Phaedra” (290 AD) by Seneca (4 BC-AD 65). He believes women bring corruption and chaos into life. His strong dislike for women is shaped by his preference for a simple, pure life, his belief that women bring chaos and evil, and his family history.

Preference for Simplicity and Nature: Hippolytus finds peace and purity in nature. He is far from the complications of human relationships, especially with women. He considers the wilderness a place of freedom and innocence where deceit and corruption are absent. These are associated with civilisation. To him, women are a source of attraction and distractions that can ruin a pure life. Hippolytus says,

 There is no life so free and innocent, none which better cherishes the ancient ways, than that which, forsaking cities, loves the woods.

The line emphasises the purity an
d simplicity of life in nature. This kind of life values old, timeless traditions and fosters freedom and innocence.  

Belief in the Evil Nature of Women: Hippolytus profoundly believes that women are the source of many evils. He believes they bring about corruption, sin, and disaster. This faith leads him to distance himself from Women completely. This belief is reinforced by the myths of women like  his own stepmother, Phaedra. Hippolytus says,

But the leader of all wickedness is woman; ‘tis she, cunning mistress of crime, besets our minds.

This line portrays women as dangerous and manipulative creations. They have the power to corrupt and mislead men.

Family Influence and History: Hippolytus’s family history also plays a vital role in his hatred of women. His mother, Antiope, was killed by his father, Theseus, and his stepmother Phaedra’s sinful desire only reinforces his negative view of women. Hippolytus says,

I count it the one solace for my lost mother, that now I may hate all womankind.

In short, Hippolytus dislikes women for his values, beliefs, and past experiences, and he views women as sources of evil and destruction that inspire him to stay away from women. 

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Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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