Passion vs. Reason Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Passion vs. Reason - Essay Example The stories of these characters, unique they may be, actually revolve into common themes: the issue of passion and reason, the complexities of public life and responsibilities vs. the reality of their personal realm, and as well as the role of the gods in man’s destiny. Are humans’ passions uncontrollable, whatever its cost to others may be? Does the passion of humans reign supreme over reason at the end of the day? While Phaedra may be the queen of the kingdom, having responsibilities over their realm and is supposed to be guided by reason, actually holds a secret desire for her stepson (Lawall et al., 2003). Hyppolytus the prince may have the life that any man would want, the riches, power and authority, but is actually finding a hard time to be with the person he loves (Lawall et al., 2003). Oenone the old nurse is supposed to have the moral standpoint to care for the royal household, but she acts as a key to unleash Phaedra’s desire (Lawall et al., 2003). The seus the king is supposed to be just and righteous, as expected of a ruler, but is overcome by his emotions and imposes on his son a severe punishment for a crime that his son has not committed (Lawall et al., 2003). ... ackground of Phaedra as a queen: the expected actions of her, and as well as the different ways that she explores in order to show society that she acts the way that a queen must act. This would be analyzed in comparison to her hidden desires: her unforgiving and intense passion for the love of her stepson, up to the point that her acts would lead to serious consequences not just for the royal household, but for the kingdom as a whole. From this analysis, at the end of the paper, the researcher would give a conclusion answering the question of passion vs. reason, on whether the passion of humans reign supreme over reason, regardless of the costs to other may be. At the first act of the play, it can be seen that Phaedra at public acts like what is expected of a queen: the responsibility of administering the kingdom while the king is away, as well as showing an example of moral and civil uprightness (Lawall et al., 2003). However, behind this public facade lies a very dark secret: Phae dra’s intense and overpowering passion on her stepson, Hyppolytus (Lawall et al., 2003). In fact, this passion is against all of the prevailing moral standards if society: the King is still believed to be alive, making this love illegitimate and totally unacceptable (Lawall et al., 2003). However, the nurse Oenone eventually acquires knowledge of the dark secret of Phaedra, wherein Phaedra actually requests that she would want to die rather than face the shame of the public knowing her illegitimate desire for her stepson (Lawall et al., 2003). In this case, the contradiction between the public persona and the private life of Phaedra can clearly be seen: she does not give up her illegitimate love for her stepson Hyppolytus, but would not compromise her stature as a queen and is desperate