Consider “Phaedra” as a Revenge Tragedy

Answer

 Consider “Phaedra” as a revenge tragedy. [NU: 2021] ★★★

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 B.C.–65 A.D.), a great Roman philosopher and playwright, wrote “Phaedra” around 50 A.D. It is one of his famous tragedies based on Greek myth. The play presents forbidden love, guilt, lies, and death. Though the main story is about passion, revenge plays a strong role too. The revenge in “Phaedra” is both divine and human. The goddess Venus takes revenge on Phaedra’s family, and Theseus takes revenge on his son. Thus, “Phaedra” becomes a true revenge tragedy.

Divine Revenge by Venus: The tragedy begins with the revenge of Venus. She punishes Phaedra’s family because of her old anger toward the Sun god. Phaedra says, 

“Venus, detesting the offspring of the hated Sun, is avenging through us.” 

This line shows that the curse of Venus causes all suffering. Phaedra’s unnatural love for Hippolytus is not her choice; it is divine revenge. The goddess uses Phaedra as a tool to punish the family. Seneca shows that divine revenge can destroy even the innocent and make humans helpless before fate.

Phaedra’s Revenge on Hippolytus: After Hippolytus rejects Phaedra with harsh words, her wounded pride turns into revenge. She feels insulted by his purity and hate. He says, 

“Away with thy impure touch from my chaste body.” 

This rejection fills Phaedra with shame and anger. When the Nurse falsely cries that Hippolytus attacked the queen, Phaedra stays silent. Her silence becomes her revenge. She lets the lie destroy him. Phaedra’s revenge comes from her hurt heart. Seneca shows how love can turn into anger and how revenge grows from wounded desire.

Theseus’ Revenge on Hippolytus: When Theseus returns and hears the Nurse’s lie, he believes it and curses Hippolytus. He calls on Neptune for revenge, crying, 

“Now fulfill the sad boon, O ruler of the sea! Let Hippolytus see the bright day no more,…”