Phaedra Class Discussion Topic— Moral Responsibility

Greetings!  Let’s try a class discussion in ANGEL.  Here’s how it works:

 ONE: After considering the topic below, please post a one paragraph reaction to the forum Phaedra Class Discussion Forum. 

TWO: Return to the forum several times throughout the week until the assignment closes to read new responses and offer responses to others’ postings and responses. The goal is to have fun and kick around an idea.

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Discussion Topic: One key theme of Racine’s play Phaedra is the question of moral responsibility.

 Consider the character Phaedra—is she a victim or a villain? Remember the setting of the play with the implicit belief that gods and goddesses can control the thoughts and actions of humans. Before you begin forming a response to this question, you might ask how one determines human responsibility in a world governed by gods and goddesses.

 When Phaedra considers her passion for Hippolytus, she sees herself as a helpless victim of Venus, the goddess of love. (“Venus fastens on her helpless prey” page 169, line 154).

Please consider the following when framing your response:

1. Is Phaedra helpless or is she responsible? Refer to parts and/or lines of the play to support your position.

  2. To complete your written response, consider today’s world. Though few of us believe that gods and goddesses control our thoughts and actions, what are some modern excuses for moral failings? Please list three or four excuses you recall from conversations with others, with yourself, from media reports--news reports, Internet stories, court cases, etc.

Please post your reaction by the forum opening due date and then return to the forum several times throughout the week until the assignment closes to rejoin the discussion.