Pedre's Dilemma

Conflict is the driving point for all exploits. Everyone faces dilemmas every time they decide on a course of action. Whether its what route you take to work or what you are going to major in, dilemmas are widespread and are vastly different in the degree with which they will affect one’s life. Dilemma is a very prevalent aspect of life, and as such it is equally as prevalent in literature. Conflict is a main component of good literature. If a story lacks conflict, then it lacks depth and in most cases appeal. One great example of a dilemma is found in Phedre. While this play contains many significant dilemmas, the most important one is her decision regarding her accusation of Hippolytus. Phedre has been deeply in love with her step child

Hippolytus’ life was taken in vain, as it did not prevent her own demise. Had she taken the other route and been honest only she would have died, and everyone else would have ended up happier. Thanks to her, her kingdom is left without an heir in the current bloodline, and with a king who has been devastated by his taking the life of his innocent son. The kingdom has been greatly weakened by an egocentric who needed to ruin the lives of many, because she could not have all she desired. As the queen of Athens phedre had a social responsibility to support her husband, and act and present herself respectably as a figure in the public eye. She failed miserably in both aspects. She provided the people with an example of the ruling classes being attempted adulterers, liars, and dishonorable cowards. She left her country with a ruler who is emotionally unstable after the actions she manipulated him into performing. through her selfish neglect of duties she failed her the ruling class, her family, and her