Phaedra

Phaedra's Downfall: An Unfortunate Result of Forbidden Love

            Phaedra's Greek name meant "bright". Ironically, her name did not match the hue of her darkened days. Even though she was secretly in love with her step-son, Hippolytus, she had to carry out her pure, womanly manner each day; for, not one soul was supposed to find out about her sinful feelings. Her forbidden love for him caused her severe frustration. Such frustration is delivered in scene III when Phaedra blames the gods (especially Venus) for her ruined life by stating to her nurse, "The gods have made me mad." The continuous increase in lust she experienced each day was more than she could take, and it eventually drove her to her death.

            Phaedra's feelings were uncontrollable, and as a result, poor Hippolytus was the blame and had to suffer for her death because his father, Theseus, was incredibly angered by his wife's death. Hippolytus never asked for any of the feelings his step-mother had once secretly conjured. He paid a hefty price for something he did not do by his fathers' orders. It just seems that both were at the wrong place at the wrong time during their lives. One can't help but feel sorry for both Phaedra and Hippolytus.