In the drama, Phaedra, by Jean Racine the author explores shame and guilt. Shame is focused on self-humiliation, while guilt is feeling immoral for committing a dishonest act. Racine depicts shame and guilt when Phaedra tells Theseus, “If it is not too late, then spare your son. Respect your flesh and blood, I beg of you, And save me from the horror of his cries” (4.4.1170-1619). Phaedra feels shame for not telling Theseus the truth so she begs him to spare his son, Hippolytus. Phaedra shows guilt of the punishment Hippolytus will receive and is asking Theseus to save her from Hippolytus’s cries. Phaedra’s shame and guilt causes Hippolytus’s death. Phaedra uses the time that her husband Theseus is in the underworld to try and get Hippolytus to desire her, …show more content…
When Theseus heard the news from Phaedra’s nurse, Oenone, that Hippolytus tried to rape her, Hippolytus responded that, it is Aricia whom he loves. Theseus didn’t believe his son and decided to let Neptune, the God of Sea, kill him. Phaedra was about to confess to Theseus the truth about how Hippolytus didn’t rape her and didn’t want to be with her until Theseus mentioned that Hippolytus is in love with Aricia, whom is a prisoner of Theseus. Phaedra becomes jealous and changes her mind. Phaedra tells Oenone “No. No. Their happiness is gall to me. Oenone, pity my wild jealousy. Aricia must perish, and the King. Be stirred to wrath against her odius race” (4.6.1257-1260). Phaedra thought Hippolytus was against loving woman because she told him she wanted to be with him and he refused to because she was his stepmother. Hippolytus didn’t want to commit incest and adultery. Phaedra becomes jealous when she is told Aricia has won Hippolytus’s heart and Phaedra isn’t able to. Phaedra’s jealousy was able to end Aricia and Hippolytus’s love for one