Student Question
How does Phaedra convince Theseus to take revenge on Hippolytus?
Quick answer:
Phaedra convinces Theseus to take revenge on Hippolytus by leaving a letter accusing Hippolytus of attempting to sexually assault her before she hangs herself. Theseus, believing the accusation in the letter, curses Hippolytus. This curse leads to Hippolytus suffering a fatal chariot accident. Phaedra's actions stem from her unrequited love for Hippolytus and her desire to maintain her dignity after being rejected by him.
In Euripides' Hippolytus, Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, is in love with her stepson Hippolytus. For a long time, Phaedra had tried to hide her love, but eventually her nurse convinces her to reveal her secret to her. When the nurse learns of Phaedra's love for her stepson, the nurse convinces Phaedra to allow her to approach Hippolytus.
Hippolytus, however, is devoted to preserving his chastity and therefore he rejects the "indecent proposal" that the nurse makes on Phaedra's behalf.
Phaedra, in an effort to preserve some semblance of self-respect, hangs herself; but before she does so, she writes a letter accusing Hippolytus of sexually assaulting her.
When Theseus discovers this letter, he believes that Hippolytus is guilty of this crime. Given this belief, Theseus curses Hippolytus, a curse which results in Hippolytus having a chariot accident and being dragged to death by his own horses.
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