description Phèdre Overview
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, psychological conflict, and treatment of guilt, desire, fate, and moral responsibility.
insights Ranking position
Phèdre ranks #1 of 203 in the Play ranking, ahead of Sunday in the Park with George.
help Phèdre FAQ
Why does Phèdre fall in love with Hippolyte?
Racine frames her forbidden passion as part of a divine curse associated with Venus and her family line. Because Hippolyte is the son of her husband Thésée, the desire is both adulterous and incestuous within the royal household.
What lie causes Hippolyte's death in Phèdre?
Phèdre's confidante Oenone tells Thésée that Hippolyte tried to violate his stepmother. Thésée believes the accusation and calls upon Neptune to punish his son.
How does Hippolyte die in Racine's Phèdre?
A sea monster terrifies his horses after Thésée invokes Neptune's promised favor. Hippolyte is dragged and fatally injured in an offstage catastrophe reported by Théramène.
Does Phèdre confess the truth before she dies?
Yes, she admits Hippolyte's innocence and reveals her own passion and responsibility to Thésée. She has taken poison and dies after clearing Hippolyte's name.
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