Do you find Oedipus a more satisfactory tragic than Hippolytus?
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The satisfaction one gains from the two characters is based on a number of factors, including the traditional definitions of a tragic hero, as set down by Aristotle, and the sympathy one feels towards the characters themselves. 

Definition of a tragic hero

• Aristotle’s definition
• Own view point
• Comparison between the two, and how the characters conform to these definitions

Similarities and differences

• Compare the characters of Oedipus and Hippolytus and make note of any similarities and differences.
• Both characters have difficulties with their families – it is due to a family curse that Oedipus leaves his home to go to Thebes, and the fact that his father has brought his wife to stay with Hippolytus is the cause of his tragic events.
• Both characters are self-assured and egotistical – Oedipus thinks that he can run the city on his own as he is the king, and Hippolytus thinks that he is superior to the goddess Aphrodite.

The control the two characters have over the events in the play

• Oedipus is a victim of fate, whereas Hippolytus is disrespectful towards Aphrodite, therefore bringing about his own demise.  ‘I have no liking for a Goddess worshipped at night’.
• Both characters are victims of a curse/prophesy – lessening the control they have over the events.
• Oedipus had little choice about the action he took when he found out the truth about his life, whereas if Hippolytus had acted more sympathetically to Phaedra, he could have avoided the outcome of the play,
• Both characters are, to some extent, victims of the Gods and the fates.

Pity – for either/both and why?

• Hippolytus is a less sympathetic character as he is more obnoxious and acts in a cruel manner towards his stepmother.  He is also conceited and prides his chastity above the gods.  ‘Since gods may choose whom they will honor, so may men’.
• Oedipus has no control over events, and it is through a ‘Hamartia’, or fatal error, which is no fault of his own, thus increasing the pity we feel towards this character.  ‘No; it is not for me to bring you down.  That is in Apollo’s hands, he will do it’.

Contemporary views – which character are modern audiences more likely to feel sympathy towards?

• Oedipus is a good ruler of the city, and has served his people well, obviously identifying with them.  ‘But, as we truly believe... you gave us back our life’.
• Hippolytus is arrogant and conceited, and disregards the advice of his elders.  ‘When young men show a spirit like his, their ways are not for us to copy’.
• Oedipus’ peripeteia is brought about through no direct fault of his own, but a combination of unlucky coincidences that are compounded by his wish to escape his destiny.
• Hippolytus’ downfall is brought about by his own conceit.  ‘It was my tongue that swore it.  No oath binds my heart’. – conceited and impious. 
• The fate of Oedipus shows that no matter how far you have come in life you can never escape your destiny – tragic as it could happen to anyone.

Aristotle said that the most tragic of plays is witnessing a good man come to a bad end through a peripeteia, and Oedipus is clearly a better man than Hippolytus, making his fate all the more tragic.

Other Notes in this Category

1. Do you find Oedipus a more satisfactory tragic than Hippolytus?

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