Phèdre

The first Scene of Act III is a conversation between Phaedra and Oenone. Phaedra is terrified that her confession to Hippolytus has ruined her and that her damaging love will now be “noised abroad” (199). Oenone tries to comfort her, suggesting that she take over the kingdom. Phaedra finally sends Oenone to Hippolytus to propose that they rule Theseus’s kingdom jointly, resolving that she will decide her fate based on his response.

In the brief second Scene, Phaedra rails at Venus as she awaits Oenone. When Oenone returns in Scene 3, it is with troubling news: Theseus is alive, and has returned. Phaedra is terrified, certain that Hippolytus will betray her secret to Theseus. Oenone comes up with another plan, suggesting they preempt Hippolytus by presenting Theseus with a fabricated story about how Hippolytus tried to violate Phaedra by force. They can present Hippolytus’s sword—left behind at the end of Act II—as evidence. Phaedra, not knowing what to do, tells Oenone to do what she thinks is best.

In Scene 4, Theseus enters, accompanied by Hippolytus and Theramenes. Phaedra, concealing her guilt, flees from him. In Scene 5, Theseus asks Hippolytus what is wrong, but Hippolytus responds, “Phaedra alone the mystery can explain” (205), and asks moreover that he be allowed to leave the palace—and Phaedra—forever.