Cover of Phaedra

Phaedra

by Jean Racine

Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"Phaedra" by Jean Racine is a French dramatic tragedy written in 1677. Set in ancient Greece, it explores forbidden passion when Queen Phaedra conceals her consuming love for her stepson Hippolytus during her husband Theseus's absence. When news arrives that Theseus may be dead, secrets begin to unravel with devastating consequences. As desires collide with duty and accusations fly, the play hurtles toward a catastrophic conclusion driven by jealousy, misunderstanding, and an invoked divine curse that no one can escape.

  • Phaedra (Greek mythology)
  • Tragedies (Drama)

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #1977. Phaedra on Wikipedia.

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