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A review by eely225
Hippolytus by Euripides
4.0
This is one that benefits from multiple readings. On first brush, it appears to be so linear. Aphrodite spells out the plot at the outset and it doesn't meaningfully diverge from that.
Where it gets more interesting on reflection is seeing how characters describe themselves. Do we take it at face value that Hippolytus is virtuous when he and Artemis say he is? His speech to the nurse doesn't seem noble, and Aphrodite certainly doesn't think he is. Is Phaedra in love because we were told she was or is something else happening to her since it sure doesn't look like love. Is there any order to the moral universe or is capricious vengeance the rule of the day? If you're devoted to the gods, will they be devoted to you?
Much less is answered than first appears. It's worth reading once, but to have any fun with it, it should also be discussed.
Where it gets more interesting on reflection is seeing how characters describe themselves. Do we take it at face value that Hippolytus is virtuous when he and Artemis say he is? His speech to the nurse doesn't seem noble, and Aphrodite certainly doesn't think he is. Is Phaedra in love because we were told she was or is something else happening to her since it sure doesn't look like love. Is there any order to the moral universe or is capricious vengeance the rule of the day? If you're devoted to the gods, will they be devoted to you?
Much less is answered than first appears. It's worth reading once, but to have any fun with it, it should also be discussed.