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Reflections of Hippolytus: An Examination of Sexuality through Adaptation
- Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism
- The University of Kansas, Department of Theatre and Dance
- Volume 31, Number 1, Fall 2016
- pp. 109-127
- 10.1353/dtc.2016.0024
- Article
- Additional Information
Abstract:
In this essay, I explore Hippolytus and the adaptation of his sexuality across the works of Euripides, Seneca, and Racine. The Hippolytus of Euripides and Seneca’s tragedies depicts a man who values self-control and seeks purity. Racine’s representation of Hippolytus in Phaedra portrays Hippolytus as a young man who once favored self-control, but has given into his sexual desire. Variations of the character exist in each dramatic adaptation, most notably the change of sexual representation in Racine’s retelling of the myth. Adaptations emerge in order to update the text for a contemporary audience, to better represent the cultural attitude and beliefs of the current period, and to reflect the adaptor’s personal tastes. Using the writings on adaptation of Linda Hutcheon, Julie Sanders, and James O. Young, I review three theatrical adaptations of the legend of Hippolytus, and explore the portrayal of the prince’s sexual identity over time. This allows me to illustrate how examining adaptations of dramatic literature may reveal the changing rules and acceptable practices regarding sex and sexuality according to cultural circumstance.