What Happened When Phaedra Tried to Embrace Hippolytus?

Answer

What happened when Phaedra tried to embrace Hippolytus? [NU: 2015, 20] ★★★

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE) wrote “Phaedra” around 50 CE. The play tells the tragic story of Queen Phaedra’s sinful love for her stepson, Hippolytus. When she tried to embrace him, a terrible conflict followed, filled with rejection, shame, and anger.

Phaedra’s Confession and Attempt: Phaedra finally revealed her love to Hippolytus. Her passion broke all control. She said she could no longer hide her feelings. She moved toward him and tried to touch him with affection. She begged him to love her in return. Seneca writes, 

“Phaedra… grasps the sword and points it at her breast.” 

This act shows her pain and despair. Her attempt to embrace him was both a confession of love and a desperate cry for acceptance from the man she wrongly desired.

Hippolytus’s Harsh Rejection: Hippolytus reacted with shock and horror. He could not believe her sinful desire. He said with anger, 

“Begone, live, lest thou have thy wish.” 

Then he threw away his sword, refusing to touch her. He called her act a disgrace and insulted her deeply. He rejected not only her love but also her existence. This rejection filled Phaedra with guilt and shame. Her dream of love turned into suffering. 

Phaedra’s Shame and Despair: After Hippolytus’s rejection, Phaedra felt lost and broken. She saw no way to live. Her heart filled with sorrow and guilt. The Nurse found her pale and silent. She said, 

“Her sin has been found out.” 

Phaedra could neither defend herself nor face her own crime. Her love had become her punishment. The shame of being refused burned her soul. This moment marks the beginning of her downfall and the start of the greater tragedy.

In termination, we can say that when Phaedra tried to embrace Hippolytus, she faced rejection, shame, and despair. Her forbidden love destroyed her peace. That