Lucius
Annaeus Seneca, also known simply as Seneca, was a Roman philosopher,
statesman, and playwright who lived from 4 BCE to 65 CE. He was a prominent
figure during the Roman Empire and served as a tutor and advisor to Emperor
Nero. Seneca is known for his philosophical works, including letters on ethics,
Stoic philosophy, and tragedy. He wrote several plays, including
"Medea" and "Phaedra," which explore themes of revenge,
passion, and morality. Seneca's works have had a significant impact on Western
philosophy and literature, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated to
this day.
"Phaedra" is a play written by the
ancient Roman philosopher and playwright, Seneca. The play is a tragedy that
tells the story of Phaedra, the wife of the Greek king Theseus. Phaedra becomes
consumed with desire for her stepson, Hippolytus, and confesses her love to
him. Hippolytus rejects her advances and Phaedra becomes desperate, fearing
that her secret will be exposed.
Phaedra's nurse, Oenone, suggests that she
falsely accuse Hippolytus of rape, which Phaedra does. Theseus, upon hearing
the accusation, banishes Hippolytus and invokes the god of the sea, Neptune, to
curse him. Hippolytus is subsequently killed in a chariot accident caused by a
sea monster.
When Phaedra learns of Hippolytus' death, she
confesses her deception to Theseus and then takes her own life. Theseus is left
devastated by the loss of his son and his wife. The play explores themes of
desire, deception, and tragedy.
Seneca's "Phaedra" has had a
significant influence on Western literature and has been adapted by many
playwrights and authors throughout the centuries, including Jean Racine and
Sarah Kane. The play continues to be studied and performed today, and is
considered a masterpiece of ancient Roman literature.
The major characters in Seneca's "Phaedra" include:
1. Phaedra - The wife of Theseus and
stepmother to Hippolytus. She becomes consumed with desire for Hippolytus and
falsely accuses him of rape when he rejects her advances.
2. Hippolytus - The son of
Theseus and stepson of Phaedra. He rejects Phaedra's advances and is
subsequently banished and cursed by his father.
3. Theseus - The king of Athens and
husband of Phaedra. He banishes Hippolytus and curses him after hearing of the
false accusation.
4. Oenone - Phaedra's nurse and confidante. She
suggests the idea of falsely accusing Hippolytus to Phaedra.
5. Aricia - A princess who is in love with Hippolytus.
She is caught up in the tragic events of the play and ultimately becomes the
new queen of Athens after the deaths of Theseus and Phaedra.
