Phèdre vs Andromaque

Phèdre is a French neoclassical tragedy by Jean Racine, first performed in 1677 and based on stories from Greek mythology and earlier drama. It follows Phaedra, queen of Athens, whose forbidden passion for her stepson Hippolytus leads to deception, accusation, and the destruction of her household. Written in rhymed alexandrine verse, the play is distinguished by its concentrated structure, psychol...

Andromaque is a five-act tragedy in verse by the French playwright Jean Racine, first performed in 1667. Set after the Trojan War, it follows a chain of unreciprocated desire involving Orestes, Hermione, Pyrrhus, and the captive Trojan widow Andromache, whose overriding concern is protecting her son Astyanax. The play is a central work of French classical theater, shaped by strict dramatic form, p...