Hippolytus Lesson Plan

How has Hippolytus’ character developed since the beginning of the play? Is he more sympathetic now? Why do you think he’s behaving differently in this scene than we've seen him behave previously?

A rude and dislikeable character up to now, Hippolytus shows great reverence towards his father, despite being accused of something he didn’t do. His refusal to break his oath also reveals his virtue. These attributes, combined with his father’s unjust treatment of him, make Hippolytus a more sympathetic character in this scene.

Hippolytus was written during a time when ancient Greeks were becoming more interested in rhetoric and the practice of the law courts. Theseus (the...