This image of Phaedra and Hippolytus reflects the central conflict of Euripides’ tragedy: Phaedra’s desire and Hippolytus’ resistance. Phaedra embodies passion, shame, and transgression. Hippolytus, in contrast, who represents purity, self-control, and loyalty especially to Artemis. Phaedra’s speech is described in terms of “madness,” “disease,” or “frenzy,” while Hippolytus’ refusal is couched in terms of “virtue” and “nobility.” The politics of language preserve a worldview where male strength lies in resisting women, casting the hero as morally elevated only through female exclusion.

© 2025 Melinessa Louis Douze. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)