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128
Play • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythical Antiquity
54
Adult
18+ years
Phaedra, one of the 10 surviving tragedies attributed to Lucius Annaeus Seneca, recounts Phaedra's consuming and unrequited desire for her stepson Hippolytus, which incites a series of tragic misunderstandings and events. The play delves into themes such as the destructiveness of passion, the interplay of heredity and fate, and the conflict between sexes, loosely based on Euripides's earlier work, "Hippolytus." The source material features violence, sexual misconduct, and suicide.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Melancholic
Emotional
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Seneca’s Phaedra has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its intense emotional depth and complex character portrayals, highlighting Seneca's skilful exploration of themes like passion and guilt. However, some find the melodramatic elements and verbose dialogue detract from the overall impact. Despite this, it remains a powerful adaptation of the classic myth.
A reader who would enjoy Phaedra by Seneca likely appreciates classical literature, tragic drama, and intricate character studies. Similar to readers of Euripides' Hippolytus and Shakespeare's Hamlet, they are drawn to themes of passion, fate, and moral conflict.
1,433 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hippolytus
The son of Theseus, he prefers solitary pursuits and has a deep reverence for the goddess Diana. His ideals lead him to maintain a strong stance on chastity and nature.
Theseus
The king of Athens and father to Hippolytus, he has a history of embarking on dangerous and morally ambiguous quests. His absence at the start sets the stage for familial discord.
Nurse
A devoted servant of Phaedra who initially attempts to guide her mistress toward virtuous behavior. She later shifts tactics in loyalty to Phaedra, assisting in more pragmatic ways.
Messenger
Appears later in the play to relay news of significant events that unfold offstage. His role involves conveying critical and emotional details of the narrative's progression.
Chorus
A group that comments on the unfolding drama, focusing on themes such as love and fate, without directly interacting with the main action or characters.
128
Play • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythical Antiquity
54
Adult
18+ years
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