Hippolytus is generally acknowledged to be one of Euripides' finest tragedies, for the construction of its plot, its use of language and its memorable characterisations of Phaedra and Hippolytus. Furthermore, it asks serious and disturbing questions about the influence of divinity on human lives. Sophie Mills considers these and many other themes in detail, setting the play in its mythological, cultural and historical contexts. She also includes discussions of major trends in interpretations of the play and of subsequent adaptations of the Hippolytus story, from Seneca to Mary Renault and beyond.

Contents

1. Euripides and His World
2. Tragedy and the Hippolytus Story
3. A Summary of the Play
4. The Major Themes of the Play
5. Critical Views of Euripides and Hippolytus
6. The Afterlife of Hippolytus
Notes
Guide to Further Reading
Bibliography
Glossary
Chronology
Index