You'll work in teams (to be allocated) on one of the following topics:


1. Racine’s preface to Phaedra

Make some notes in response to these questions:
  • Why write a preface?
  • What does Racine say about Euripides/Aristotle?
  • How does Racine characterize the character of Phèdre in the preface?
  • Why does Racine say he removed Phèdre’s ‘calumny’ to give it to Oenone?
  • Towards the end of the preface, what does Racine say about the value of the play, and of tragedy in general?

2. Act 1, Scenes I and II: Hippolytus and Theramenes

  • Why does Hippolytus want to leave Troezene?
  • What does the opening scene tell us about Theseus?
  • What creates dramatic tension/interest in the first scene?
  • How does Hippolytus communicate what is bothering him?
  • How would you characterize the relationship between Hippolytus and Theramenes?
  • Which themes are evoked in this scene?
  • Why do you think Racine might have chosen to start the play in this way?

3. Act 1, Scene III: Phaedra and Oenone

  • Why is Phaedra distressed?
  • How is this distress evoked (imagery, rhetorical devices etc.)?
  • How would you characterize the relationship between Phaedra and Oenone?
  • Can you identify any resonances with the opening scene involving Hippolytus and Theramenes?
Last modified: Thursday, 13 February 2025, 6:07 PM