1321 words
Analyse the representation of guilt in Phèdre, taking into account both the
thematic and stylistic aspects of Racine’s play.
In Jean Racine's tragedy "Phèdre," the exploration of guilt becomes a compelling thematic
and stylistic focal point. From Phèdre's initial contemplation of forbidden thoughts to societal
expectations and blame, the representation of guilt unfolds as a nuanced exploration,
revealing the depths of human emotions and moral dilemmas. Not only does Racine draw
from the rich tapestry of Ancient Greek values, but his play also resonates with the Jansenist
preoccupations of sin, redemption, and the intricacies of moral responsibility.
From the beginning of the play, Racine masterfully portrays guilt as an overwhelmingly
potent force, capable of driving an individual to the brink of death even with the mere
contemplation of a forbidden thought. The protagonist, Phèdre's initial stage action, a rare
direction1 simply stating "elle s’assied"2, serves as a poignant theatrical moment, symbolizing
the gravitational pull of guilt on her body, dragging her down to earth under its weight. As
noted by Théramène, she suffers from a malady "qu’elle s’obstine à taire"3 – a malady she
obstinately refuses to disclose. This sense of guilt introduces a paralyzing lethargy into
Phèdre’s physical being, a weariness stemming from the experience of erotic stupefaction.
Phèdre finds herself entranced by a desire she despises, a hypnotic state in which she remains
ensnared, languishing in the conflicting emotions that torment her. In her initial appearance,
the palpable tension drives her to the verge of despair and contemplation of suicide4. Racine
uses poetic language to magnify the emotional intensity the characters experience,
particularly with Phèdre’s soliloquies and monologues. For instance, the lines "J’en ai trop
1
Critchley (2004) p.24-25
2
Racine 1.3.157
3
Racine 1.1.45
4
Heath (2010)
Analyse the representation of guilt in Phèdre, taking into account both the
thematic and stylistic aspects of Racine’s play.
In Jean Racine's tragedy "Phèdre," the exploration of guilt becomes a compelling thematic
and stylistic focal point. From Phèdre's initial contemplation of forbidden thoughts to societal
expectations and blame, the representation of guilt unfolds as a nuanced exploration,
revealing the depths of human emotions and moral dilemmas. Not only does Racine draw
from the rich tapestry of Ancient Greek values, but his play also resonates with the Jansenist
preoccupations of sin, redemption, and the intricacies of moral responsibility.
From the beginning of the play, Racine masterfully portrays guilt as an overwhelmingly
potent force, capable of driving an individual to the brink of death even with the mere
contemplation of a forbidden thought. The protagonist, Phèdre's initial stage action, a rare
direction1 simply stating "elle s’assied"2, serves as a poignant theatrical moment, symbolizing
the gravitational pull of guilt on her body, dragging her down to earth under its weight. As
noted by Théramène, she suffers from a malady "qu’elle s’obstine à taire"3 – a malady she
obstinately refuses to disclose. This sense of guilt introduces a paralyzing lethargy into
Phèdre’s physical being, a weariness stemming from the experience of erotic stupefaction.
Phèdre finds herself entranced by a desire she despises, a hypnotic state in which she remains
ensnared, languishing in the conflicting emotions that torment her. In her initial appearance,
the palpable tension drives her to the verge of despair and contemplation of suicide4. Racine
uses poetic language to magnify the emotional intensity the characters experience,
particularly with Phèdre’s soliloquies and monologues. For instance, the lines "J’en ai trop
1
Critchley (2004) p.24-25
2
Racine 1.3.157
3
Racine 1.1.45
4
Heath (2010)
