Hippolytus

Acts

• 0
  Act 0

  The complete text of Hippolytus. Phaedra's forbidden love for her stepson Hippolytus destroys them both. Aphrodite and Artemis wage war through mortals.

  62 lines
• Prologue

  Aphrodite announces her plan: Hippolytus, who scorns love, will be destroyed. She has made his stepmother Phaedra fall in love with him.

  48 lines
• Parodos

  The chorus reports that Phaedra is ill, wasting away. They speculate about the cause.

  361 lines
• First Episode

  The Nurse extracts Phaedra's secret: she loves Hippolytus. Phaedra has chosen to die rather than act on her desire.

  36 lines
• First Stasimon

  The chorus reflects on the power of Eros and Aphrodite, recalling women destroyed by divine desire.

  158 lines
• Second Episode

  The Nurse tells Hippolytus. His reaction is violent disgust. Phaedra overhears and realises she is ruined.

  44 lines
• Second Stasimon

  The chorus wishes to escape — anywhere but here. They lament Phaedra's voyage from Crete.

  293 lines
• Third Episode

  Phaedra hangs herself, leaving a note accusing Hippolytus of rape. Theseus returns and finds the body.

  39 lines
• Third Stasimon

  The chorus is devastated. They know the note is false but are bound by their oath of silence.

  Not yet imported
• Fourth Episode

  Theseus curses Hippolytus using a wish from Poseidon. Hippolytus protests his innocence but cannot reveal the truth.

  13 lines
• The Messenger

  A bull from the sea destroys Hippolytus's chariot on the shore road. He is mortally wounded.

  188 lines