Phèdre

Explore the depictions of social and relational duties in the play. How do conceptions of these duties differ between the characters? How do these conceptions help shape characterization and/or illustrate some of the key ideas of the play?

Love and desire are depicted as both destructive and potentially liberating forces. How and why are love and desire presented in these contradictory ways?

Analyze the relationship between divine punishment and human responsibility in the play. To what extent, if any, do the characters have agency and moral responsibility? What role do the gods play, and how does this complicate the actions of the characters?