Comment on the way of life of Hippolytus.
Phaedra is a notable literary work by Lucius Annaeus Seneca. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Phaedra.
Answer
Comment on the way of life of Hippolytus. [NU: 2021] ★★★
Or, Discuss the pattern of life spent by Hippolytus. [NU: 2018]
Or, Justify Hippolytus as a tragic hero.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE – 65 CE) wrote Phaedra between 50 and 60 CE. In this tragedy, Hippolytus appears as a noble but proud hero. His purity, courage, and devotion to virtue make him admirable. Yet his extreme pride and false judgment lead him to a tragic fall.
Noble Birth and Moral Purity: Hippolytus is the son of King Theseus and the Amazon Antiope. He lives a simple and pure life in the forest. He says,
“There is no life so free and innocent.”
His noble birth and virtue make him a true tragic figure.
Hatred of Sin and Women: Hippolytus hates women and refuses love. He says,
“The leader of all wickedness is woman.”
His pride in his own chastity blinds him to human weakness. His hatred later causes misunderstanding and tragedy.
Victim of False Accusation: Phaedra’s false charge destroys his good name. His father, Theseus, believes the lie and curses him through Neptune. The sea god sends a monster that kills him. Though innocent, Hippolytus suffers a painful death, like every tragic hero.
Courage and Dignity in Death: Even when dying, Hippolytus shows courage and calmness. His fall earns pity and respect. His moral purity makes his death deeply moving and heroic.
In short, Hippolytus is a tragic hero because his noble nature, moral strength, and undeserved suffering bring both admiration and sorrow. His fall from innocence to death perfectly fulfills Seneca’s idea of tragic greatness.