Blame in the Hippolytus

Passion is the catalyst for inexplicable experience. It causes both destruction within the soul and surroundings, and even those close to your heart. In the case of Hippolytus, Euripides shows us how love and marriage are key points in the lives of ancient Greeks and how the act of disobeying, and dishonouring figures that demand respect can lead to ramifications of endless proportions, in this case, death. Before delving into the question of who is to blame for the tragedy of Euripides' Hippolytus, it would be wise to analyze what the question itself means. The word "who" stands for potential candidates for the blame, and in the case of Greek culture, the guilt and blame is rarely dealt to one person, it is shared among many. The term "blame" can stand for who is at fault or who is responsible for the actions seen before us. The blame itself is to be placed upon Hippolytus' hubris in rejecting Aphrodite and the act of honouring her.

The first sign of what is to come is seen in Aphrodite's introduction speech when she speaks of her power and demand for respect, she mentions: "I give precedence to those who / revere my power, but those who are arrogant towards me I / cast down." (Euripides, Hippolytus, lines 4-6). Aphrodite states that those who don't give her respect will pay, and that is what Hippolytus does. Aphrodite then points this very fact out to us by saying: "He spurns sex / and keeps clear of marriage." (Euripides, Hippolytus, lines 12-13). This shows us that Hippolytus will in fact pay in this particular tragedy. Towards the end of her speech Aphrodite clearly spells out what is to take place:

The other, Phaedra, must die-with her honour safe, but nevertheless die she must. I am determined to make my enemy pay a penalty great enough to satisfy me--her catastrophe is a secondary consideration. (Euripides, Hippolytus, lines 49-52).

It is clear here, that we see, due to Hippolytus' actions, Phaedra will suffer, and Aphrodite's resentment is solely based on Hippolytus.

The next major portion is that of the conversation between the nurse and Phaedra. It is evident that in Greek culture, if you do not get married, in simple terms you will die; and if you do get married, but commit adultery or break rules, yet again, you will die.

Hippolytus has managed to successfully anger Aphrodite enough to curse Phaedra through disrespect, and force her to fall in love with Hippolytus, causing her to have the urge to take part in the act of incest.

The conversation between the nurse and Phaedra reveals many key facts, including her demand for the nurse to keep quiet.

When love wounded me, I first considered how I could best endure it. So I began with this policy - to stay quiet about this sickness and to keep it hidden. (Euripides, Hippolytus, lines 392-324).

The tragedy turns very sour for Hippolytus when the nurse takes the liberty of suggesting to Phaedra that she has a remedy for her incestuous sickness. It requires a token from the man she longs for, and in this case, it is the unwished-for Hippolytus. In turn the nurse