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