In Euripides'
"Phaedra," the title character is a tragic figure who is consumed by
her passion and desire for her stepson, Hippolytus. The play explores the
themes of unrequited love, revenge, and the destructive consequences of both.
In this essay, I will discuss how Phaedra can be seen as a tragic character.
Phaedra's tragic flaw is
her overwhelming passion and desire for Hippolytus. She is unable to control
her emotions and acts impulsively, leading to the tragic events of the play.
Her unrequited love for Hippolytus leads her to falsely accuse him of
attempting to rape her, which ultimately leads to his death. Her desire for
revenge blinds her to the truth, and she is unable to see the consequences of
her actions.
Phaedra is also a tragic character
because she is trapped by her circumstances. As a woman in ancient Greece, she
has limited options for expressing her desires and passions. Her marriage to
Theseus, a powerful and wealthy man, places her in a position of subservience,
and she is unable to act on her feelings for Hippolytus openly. This sense of
helplessness and frustration contributes to her tragic downfall.
Phaedra is also a tragic
character because of her internal conflict. She is torn between her desire for
Hippolytus and her sense of duty to her husband and family. She is unable to
reconcile these conflicting emotions, and this inner turmoil leads to her
downfall. Her inability to find a way out of this dilemma ultimately leads to
her tragic end.
The character of Phaedra
also represents the human condition of mortality and the inevitability of
death. Her tragic end serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the
inevitability of death. Her actions and desires may have led to her downfall,
but her mortality is a constant reminder that all human beings are subject to
the same fate.
The play also explores the
theme of hubris, which is the idea that human beings can be brought down by
their own arrogance or excessive pride. Phaedra's desire for revenge and her
belief that she can control her fate is a manifestation of her hubris. She is
unable to see beyond her own desires and emotions, leading to her tragic end.
Finally, Phaedra is a
tragic character because her downfall is a result of her own actions. She is
not a victim of circumstances or outside forces but is responsible for her own
tragic fate. Her inability to control her passions and her desire for revenge
leads to her downfall. This sense of personal responsibility adds to the tragic
nature of her character.
In conclusion, Phaedra can
be seen as a tragic character whose downfall is a result of her overwhelming
passion and desire for her stepson Hippolytus. Her internal conflict, hubris,
and mortality contribute to her tragic end. The play serves as a cautionary
tale about the dangers of uncontrolled passion and desire and the tragic
consequences that can result from them. Phaedra's tragic end is a reminder of
the transience of life and the inevitability of death, and her character serves
as a representation of the human condition of mortality and the struggles that
come with it.
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Prepared by:
Biplob Prodhan
Founder of EDNOUB.
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Bibliography:
Text Books, Internet, Study Guide
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