Why does Hippolytus feel a strong dislike for womenfolk?
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
Why does Hippolytus feel a strong dislike for womenfolk? [NU: 2013, 15] ★★★
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE), a Roman Stoic writer, composed “Phaedra” around 50 CE. In this tragic play, Hippolytus is shown as a man who strongly hates women. His hatred is not personal only. It comes from his moral beliefs, his mother’s story, and his devotion to purity.
Devotion to Chastity: Hippolytus loves hunting and worships Diana, the virgin goddess. He avoids love and city life. He says,
“There is no life so free and innocent.”
His heart follows nature, not women. This deep purity makes him reject all female passion.
Influence of His Mother: His mother, Antiope, was an Amazon warrior. She lived a life away from marriage. Hippolytus proudly says,
“Thou bearest witness to this, of her race the only son.”
Her example teaches him to hate marriage and women’s softness.
Belief That Women Are Evil: Hippolytus calls women “cunning mistress of crime.” He believes women cause wars and destruction. He remembers Medea, who killed her own children. He says,
“The leader of all wickedness is woman.”
To him, women represent weakness and sin.
Fear of Corruption: Hippolytus feels women destroy peace and purity. He sees love as a trap that ruins men’s honor. His fear of lust makes him believe that avoiding women is the only safe path.
In termination, we can say that Hippolytus hates women because of his mother’s example, his worship of Diana, and his belief that women bring evil. His hatred reflects his proud purity but also his lack of human understanding.