Phaedra

Name: Phaedra
Author: Jean Racine

By Jean Racine

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French Literature Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play dramatizes the ruinous effects of forbidden desire and honour entanglements in a royal household. A queen becomes consumed by illicit passion for her husband's son, struggles with shame and secrecy, and confides in a loyal nurse whose meddling and false accusations set a chain of misunderstandings in motion. The young man and a rival princess negotiate loyalty and love while the absent husband’s return and a vengeful misprision escalate toward catastrophe. Classical form frames concentrated verse scenes that emphasize inward passion, moral conflict, and the inexorable consequences of impulsive feeling.

About the Author

Jean Racine

Jean Racine was a prominent French dramatist of the 17th century, known for his mastery of classical tragedy. His works often explore themes of passion, fate, and the complexities of human emotion, drawing heavily from Greek and Roman sources. Among his most notable plays are "Phaedra," which delves into forbidden love and guilt, and "Esther," a biblical tragedy that showcases his ability to blend moral and emotional depth. Racine's influence on French literature and drama is profound, and he remains a key figure in the study of classical theatre.