Discuss the role of the nurse in “Phaedra.”

Answer

Discuss the role of the nurse in “Phaedra.”  

The nurse in Seneca’s (4 BC-AD 65) “Phaedra” (290 AD) plays a vital role in driving the tragedy forward. As Phaedra’s confidante and caretaker, she initially appears to be a wise and supportive figure. However, her actions gradually reveal a darker side. She becomes a key figure of deceit and destruction. Her misguided loyalty and unethical decisions drive the plot toward its tragic ending.

Confidante and Caretaker: The nurse is the first person to whom Phaedra reveals her forbidden love for Hippolytus. The nurse is Phaedra’s closest confidante. Hering unrequited love desire from Phaedra initially, She tries to give her valuable advice. She tells her she should control her forbidden emotions. Nurse says,

  Check, O my child, the rush of thine unbridled spirit; control thy passion.

Thus, The nurse tries to advise Phaedra to control her emotions, initially acting as a voice of reason.

Shift from Wisdom to Enabling: Although the nurse initially advises Phaedra to resist her desires, she quickly shifts to enabling her passion. Realizing that Phaedra is determined to pursue her love, the nurse decides to help her. It shows her willingness to compromise her morals. It is noted,

But whoso fears a sovereign’s behests must lay aside and banish from his heart all thought of honour.

This line highlights that the nurse prioritizes obedience to Phaedra over moral/ ethical conduct.

Deception and Manipulation: The nurse takes matters into her own hands by plotting a deceitful plan. After Hippolytus rejects Phaedra, the nurse suggests accusing him of attempting to seduce his stepmother. The lie conspiracy becomes the turning point of the play leading Hippolytus to death. Nurse says,

Her sin has been found out… We must throw the crime back on him himself, and ourselves charge him with incestuous love.

The quote refers to The nurse’s deception in accusing Hippolytus that he has an immoral love affair with Phaedra and trying to sexually abuse her.

Symbol of Corrupted Wisdom: The nurse represents corrupted wisdom. She is an older and seemingly wiser character, but her actions demonstrate that wisdom can be twisted to serve destructive ends. Instead of leading Phaedra away from destruction, she uses his influence to facilitate Phaedra’s dangerous desires. Nurse says,

 Whoever at the outset has resisted and routed love, has been safe and conqueror.

 The quotes refer to the nurse’s sound initial advice, but she fails to stand by her principles.

The Nurse’s Role in Phaedra’s Guilt: The nurse’s involvement leads directly to the deaths of Hippolytus and Phaedra. She plays a direct role in the tragic deaths of both Hippolytus and Phaedra.

I have lied to you, and the crime which, crazed with passion, I had conceived in my own mad breast, I falsely charged to him.

The lines highlight that Phaedra falsely accused Hippolytus of a crime to fulfill her own uncontrolled and passionate desires. She admits that the wrongdoing was entirely hers, but she unjustly blames Hippolytus.

The Nurse as a Tragic Catalyst:  The nurse’s role in Phaedra is vital to the tragic outcome. She shifts from a voice of reason to a dangerous figure and drives the plot toward destruction. Her actions reflect the consequences of compromised morals and misguided loyalty. 

In termination, the nurse’s decisions not only contribute to Phaedra’s downfall but also shut the fate of Hippolytus and Theseus. Through the nurse, Seneca highlights that a well-intentioned figure can become instruments of tragedy when they stray from ethical paths.