Women in love

Hippolytus would not have been the cause of Phaedra’s love and tragedy, if she had an independent volition of her own.

Hippolytus is the story of the love of a married woman for a man, who cannot requite the love. He is a celibate, wedded to the cult of the chastity.

Aphrodite’s dispensation

We cannot call Euripides’ Hippolytus as tragedy of love of a woman. Phaedra, the heroine does not fall in love with Hippolytus as an active agent. She is made to fall in love with Hippolytus .It is Aphrodite’s dispensation. Phaedra is a tool in the grip of Aphrodite. She loves her Husband, she loves her children.

Limits of moderation

The tragedy is the outcome of several errors.
Hippolytus’ celibacy may be permissible, but why should he be so proud and self-conceited about his virtue? Even if he is so devoted to Artemis , why should he antagonize Aphrodite? Why should he be so callous to her? Why should he make a fetish his celibacy and chastity? He is fanatical and extremely cruel. He has crossed the limits of moderation.

The tragedy in passion

Hippolytus’ death has been planned by Aphrodite, for he says it in her prologue.

Phaedra is Aphrodite’s tool and implicating Hippolytus is the creation of her brain. Her revengefulness , her haughtiness are her own. She could have been a little more composed. For a while she has lost womanly dignity and decency. The Nurse’s role is somehow fool and foolishness brings about a tragedy.

Theseus is indiscreet. His indiscretion hastens the tragedy.

Phaedra is revengeful .A little tolerance could have saved the situation.