“Phaedra” as a Tragedy of Unrequited Love

Answer

 Consider “Phaedra” as a tragedy of unrequited love. [NU: 2015, 17,  20] ★★★

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 B.C.–65 A.D.), a famous Roman philosopher and playwright, wrote “Phaedra” around 50 A.D. It is one of his greatest tragic plays based on Greek myth. The play presents the painful story of Phaedra. Her forbidden love for her stepson Hippolytus remains unreturned. Her passion turns into suffering and death. The tragedy of unrequited love—a love that receives no answer—forms the heart of this play. It shows how love becomes both pain and punishment.

Love Turned into Suffering: Phaedra’s love for Hippolytus is strong but sinful. She cannot control her desire though she knows it is wrong. Her love gives her only pain. She says, 

“A malady feeds and grows within my heart.” 

This line shows how love burns like a disease inside her. Her feeling is not answered by Hippolytus. His rejection deepens her sorrow. Phaedra’s love does not bring happiness or peace. It becomes a fire that destroys her body and mind. Seneca shows love as a painful human weakness.

Rejection by Hippolytus: Hippolytus hates all women and refuses love completely. His rejection makes Phaedra’s tragedy greater. When she confesses her love, he becomes angry and cruel. He says, 

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

His harsh words hurt Phaedra deeply. She feels insulted and hopeless. Her unreturned love turns into despair. Hippolytus’ coldness shows how pride can kill sympathy. His purity becomes heartless pride. Thus, Seneca shows that both passion and pride can destroy peace. The rejection turns love into death.

The Role of Destiny: Seneca shows that destiny rules human love and sorrow. Phaedra is punished not only for her sin but also for her bloodline. She says, 

“I recognize my wretched mother’s fatal curse.”