What Happened When Phaedra Tried to Embrace Hippolytus?
Phaedra is a notable literary work by Lucius Annaeus Seneca. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Phaedra.
Answer
What happened when Phaedra tried to embrace Hippolytus?
In “Phaedra” (290 AD) by Seneca (4 BC-AD 65), Phaedra’s attempt to embrace Hippolytus is a critical turning point in the tragedy. The moment is Driven by Phaedra’s uncontrollable passion and desperation. She seeks solace in Hippolytus’s arms. However, her actions only deepened the conflict and brought a fetal end.
Hippolytus’s Immediate Rejection and Disgust: When Phaedra goes out to embrace Hippolytus, he reacts with extreme disgust and anger. Her behaviour horrifies him. He sees it as shameful and impure. His deep hatred for women, especially in the context of her forbidden love, makes him push her away harshly. Hippolytus says
Away with thy impure touch from my chaste body! What? Even rush into my arms!
Hippolytus’s Violent Response: Hippolytus’s rejection turns violent as he threatens Phaedra with a sword. He contemplates killing her to protect his honour. However, Phaedra’s plea for death stops him, and instead, he throws the sword away in disgust. Hippolytus says
Out, sword, and mete her just punishment…
Phaedra’s Further Desperation: Being rejected, Instead of being discouraged, Phaedra, becomes even more desperate. She sees Hippolytus’s rejection as confirmation that she must die to escape her shame and guilt. This encounter deepens her resolve to take her own life. Phaedra says
“Hippolytus, now dost thou grant me fulfilment of my prayer; thou healest me of my madness…. ‘tis by thy hands I die.
Phaedra’s failed attempt to embrace Hippolytus only amplifies the tragedy. It highlights the tragic consequences of unfulfilled desires and moral boundaries, triggers his extreme reaction, and drives the narrative toward its devastating conclusion.