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The Meadow of Artemis and the Character of the Euripidean "Hippolytus" Author(s): Douglas L. Cairns Reviewed work(s): Source: Quaderni Urbinati di Cultura Classica, New Series, Vol. 57, No. 3 (1997), pp. 51-75 Published by: Fabrizio Serra editore Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20546514 . Accessed: 18/05/2012 03:19
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article deals with the character of the Euripidean Hippoly some to extent this will involve the normal tus-, (and perfectly legiti business of evaluating what the character mate) says, does, and suf fers, and what other characters say about him. But I shall also contend
This
that the speech in which Hippolytus dedicates his garland to Artemis (Hippolytus 73-87) performs the function of characterization in a
milieu different in a particular cultural way, by locating Hippolytus as a sociocultural a matter is This less of constructi. the poet's as an in that Hippolytus is who he is because of his history suggesting in society, dividual than of his characterizing him by (or categorizing) a one and in which call almost association, symbol technique might characterization 2. through metaphor Under view the orthodox of the character of Hippolytus, the an in which he dedicates his all manifests the of speech garland signs unbalanced But has had his defend 3. personality Hippolytus always rather
* An early version of this article The was presented final version I am at the conference, Greek Drama II, at the written in summer 1994 to the Alexander von Hum
Christchurch Seminar
1992.
was
boldt-Stiftung
support. 1 But This
(Bonn) and
to Professor
G?ttingen;
grateful
Dr C. J. Classen
(G?ttingen)
for their
is not
the difference
is that speech in such a way been the experiences of an individual filtered that, in through personality so far as are traceable as traits of character, as are traits of our character they they individuals. 2 on forms in a for characterization For some remarks interesting of/possibilities see J. Gould, in 'Dramatic Character and "Human "world of metaphor", Intelligibility"
- we are. to say that you and I are not also sociocultural constructs us and the is characterized between who the meadow Hippolytus by we in for us the social and cultural which have grown up have systems
Greek Tragedy', Proc. Cambridge Philol. Soc. 24, 1978, pp. 43-67. 3 The orthodox view is familiar to all from the edition of W. S. Barrett, Oxford
1964; see his n. on 79-81 repression), puritanical and, for the essence cf. (e.g.) C. P. Segal, Interpreting of this approach unusualness, (Hipp.'s Greek Ithaca Tragedy, his 1986,
52
D.
L.
Cairns
the defence has consistently maintained that ers, and in recent years obvious facts about Greek cer and make it literature, culture, religion tain that the orthodox view is anachronistic and false. M. Heath, for a discussion a in the of relevance of character's moral example, quali ties in the emotional of the audience, claims engagement determining not is "morally but also that "noth blameless", only that Hippolytus in as to an audience's is so presented [his] behaviour ing mitigate *. From another B. Vickers that "the sympathies" argues angle Greeks of the fifth century would ...have regarded Hippolytus' cpurity' as ...a normal of the cult to which he had dedi consequence perfectly cated himself" for E. Segal Hippolytus, far from being "un D;while is as normal like then who "love now, balanced", many young men, of all else" 6. But the most recent de sport to the exclusion thorough is Kovacs's fence of Hippolytus or those who find negative problem atic elements in the characterization of Hippolytus, and who therefore, or "hate" him, do so be in Kovacs's critical terminology, "patronize" pp. 165-221 (=The Tragedy of the Hippoiytus: The Waters of Ocean and the Untou ched Meadow', Harv. Stud. Class. Philol. 70, 1965, pp. 117-169), and pp. 268-293 (= Tentheus and Hippoiytus on the Couch and on the Grid', Class. World 72,1978/79, pp.
with further refs. to 129-148), psychoanalytic in Hermes Puritv 98, Euripides' Hippoiytus', the approach taken readings 1970. pp. in p. 276 279-280; n. 13; id., "Shame and R. C. T. Parker, Mia
sma, Oxford 1983, p. 76; R. Garland, The Greek Way of Life, London 1990, p. 210; for
to extremes, see A. V. Rankin, A 'Euripides' Hippoiytus: Psychopa 7. Arethusa G. Devereux. The Character 1974, pp. 71-94; thological of the Euri Ca. 1985. The more or less Chico above evaluations make pidean Hippoiytus, explicit use of are older but the broad outlines of their than categories; psychoanalytic approach see U. von the fashion for Freud; Grie Wilamowitz-Moellendorff, Euripides Hippolytos. Hero',
chisch und Deutsch, Berlin 1891, pp. 51, 53, repeated in Griechische Trag?dien I, Ber lin 19044 (1898), pp. 115-118,120-121. Against Wilamowitz's view of Hipp., see (e.g.) M. Pohlenz, Die griechische Trag?die, G?ttingen 1954% I pp. 269-270 with II p. Ill (cf.W. H. Friedrich, Euripides und Diphilos, Munich 1953, p. 141 on Wilamowitz and
Phaedra); for an attempt to find a middle way, W. Fauth,
Abh. Mainz
4 The ling like the to convict
1958.9,
Poetics
1959.8,
I pp. 536-545.
Hippolytos
und
Phaedra,
London Heath 1987, wil is, however, of Greek pp. 84-87. Tragedy, of s fault is more and in a way he is Hipp, "imprudence', right that Hipp, than vice; but we part company on the scale of the and imprudence "imprudence" extent to which it (a) ranks as an offence in terms of Greek values and (b) belongs
to the original
Towards Greek Tragedy, London 1973, p. 147, citing H. Lloyd-Jones, Journ. Hell. Stud. 85, 1965, p. 166 (= Greek Epic, Lyric, and Oxford 1990, p. 424). Tragedy,
For total the view rejection that Greek of Aphrodite makes polytheism understandable, s exclusive Hipp, cf. D. Ko vacs, devotion The Heroic to Artemis Muse, and Baltimore his
the
of Artemis
53
to a the Athenians of 428 B.C., belong they, unlike generation its freedom from puritan is irre cherishes and which repression awareness with the theories of (a garbled of) mediably stamped Freud 7. to oppose I want these views by arguing the opposite precisely that there are facts about Greek and religion which literature, culture, show that the Hippolytus of the meadow is, after all, a prob passage seems to me lematic character. This the obvious import of the text, in the play, but signs of anomaly both here and elsewhere and danger also exist at a deeper level in the conceptual fabric of this opening over to It is not that I want these deeper indications speech. privilege is simply the surface meaning that the of text and action; my point are matched indications and danger surface of strangeness and ex set tended by important dissonances up by the location of the meadow which in a particular cultural speech background. or to the wholly In strong contrast of a Vickers positive judgement a Kovacs character his stands the view of Hippolytus' enunciated by a sham - in just spite of his claims to be peris Hippolytus' sos (v. 948), in spite of the eccentric which Theseus affects posturings as those of an or to (w. 952-954), Orphic regard Hip Pythagorean a base adulterer, a traitor to his is about The point polytus philoi. these lines is not that they give us the last word on Hippolytus' charac ter (obviously terms in do but that recall the not), they they explicit in the play. Hippolytus first speech Hippolytus makes did claim to be to "consort" did stress his ability cf. v. 84), (v. 948, exceptional virtue was
at w.
948-957)
(xyneinai) with the goddess (v. 949, cf. v. 85), did credit himself with
like the meadow (v. 949, cf. v. 80) 8, and did see himself, as akeratos he gathered the material for his garland, (v. to make in his is made these 9. turn, 73, 76) Hippolytus, on the of the meadow himself points again, drawing terminology no man more at w. there is 993-1007: (by birth, sophron speech, euse for he understands cf. w. ysya?, v. 995, also v. 1007, 79-80), aidos cf. v. 83), associates with those who possess beia (v. (v. 996, cf. v. 81) 10. The char 998, cf. v. 78), not with kakoi (w. 996-1001, sophrosyne from which 949, cf. w.
7 23. n. n.
Puritan
repression:
(n. 5),
pp.
26-27;
Freud:
pp.
126-127
13,
cf. p.
128
8A
kakia.
concept which
Theseus,
like Hipp,
at w.
80-81,
sharply opposes
to
9
10 at w.
54 acterization
D.
L.
Cairns
an issue in the set up by the meadow is clearly speech course is of Theseus Theseus and But agon Hippolytus. are son: not virtues but about his his rooted, wrong deeply superficial is such as to make he is accused the crime of which and his character at the meadow unthinkable; then, we are to recall perhaps, speech in order to appreciate how wide of the mark these points precisely as traits he is character that the of Theseus really despises signs of to it be have been used establish eccentricity, already argued, might in the eyes of the audience, and it is this positive nobility Hippolytus' own allusions to the meadow in his recalls that impression Hippolytus on aspects seizes of Hip remains that Theseus But it possible speech. which the will found character audience also have problem polytus' between atic when one, upon one at first that later introduced an audience points of to them. What can the play. claims be is clear is that the and
speech
it is closely
forever" respects associated); sophrosyne Hippolytus in the is the it the but clear reference of that (v. 80), primary quality to virtue is is the woman's meadow n. Sophrosyne passage chastity of women's its sexual conduct 12, and in the context par excellence as the chorus sense is to I.A. the of the fore, for, observe, inevitably arete of which central women's aidos and (to imperative sophrosyne to illicit sexual whereas the excel is resistance contribute) activity, can take countless in the public lence of men forms and is exercised arena of civic affairs and 13. So the use of sophrosyne (I.A. 558-572)
11 see A. K?hnken,
On
the
partiality
of Hipp.'s
'G?tterrahmen von
und
menschliches
Schmitt,
Handeln
Hermes
im
The Psychology and Ethics ofHonour and Shame in Ancient Greek Literature. Oxford 1993, pp. 314-320. 12 See F. M. Cornford, 'Psychology and Social Structure in the Republic of Plato', Class. Quart. 6, 1912, p. 252 (with refs.); H. F. North, Sophrosyne, Ithaca 1966. pp. 1 n. 2, 21, 37, 71, 129, 252-253, 314.
13 When the chorus I find say that women's arete is manifested of H. "in the
sphere
of concea
Iphigenie
discreet "In der
1992, pp.
highly xpujrc?
marriage) Ktjjtqi?
und ?hnliches
55
women's
suggest modesty might and there there is cer readily use of these terms in feminine about Hippolytus' tainly something own a to his him of devotion Artemis. up picture building Hippolytus self stresses the quasi-feminine he refers to aspect of his nature when v. his maiden 1006 the soul (jtcxQd?vov o|wxt|v ?x v) in 14. (Compare behaviour more than men's,
in their maidenhood) 16. These of quasi-feminity indications do suggest (later) we note to his maiden should reference that (and anomaly Hippolytus' as we saw, takes up The soul falls in that part of his defence which, to the characteristics in the seus' reference back first adumbrated even with meadow But central this of possession passage). sophrosyne, to sexual chastity, is reference does not in itself mean that Hippolytus is effeminate. eccentrically Sophrosyne in adult men, it does not males; however, to sexual conduct reference that it does over is exercised citizen of the adult male used have of sexual continence in the specific and central in women, for the sophrosyne the desire for sexual pleasure in exactly i.e. as an the same way as over any other desire or impulse: to be master of the ability of the "man of honour" of himself aspect to his rather than slave So Hippolytus' Artemisian desires17. is not quite the same as of sexual purity, the sophrosyne sophrosyne, to manifest the sophrosyne which the citizen aner is (ideally) expected
14
For
the
phrase,
cf.
Jtaoftevi?
ipvx$
re their
opposition
to mar
(with R. A. S. Seaford,
'The Eleventh
Stud. wi
Female
J. J. Win Wo 1983,
kler, F. I. Zeitlin, edd., Before Sexuality, Princeton 1990, pp. 339-364; Greek Virginity,
Eng. men', Cambridge in A. Cameron to Bleed: Artemis cf. H. King, Ma. 'Bound 1990; in Antiquity, and A. Kuhrt, edd., Images of Women and Greek London
Maiden, London 1989, p. 2; Garland (n. 3), p. pp. 111-113; K. Dowden, Death and the 164. 15 On this phrase, cf. Schmitt (n. 11), p. 26. 16 Cf. Segal, 'Shame and Purity' (n. 3), p. 293; Garland (n. 3), p. 164. 17 See K. J. Dover, Greek Popular Morality, Oxford 1974, pp. 116, 179, 208-211, London 1978, pp. 23, 47-49, 90, 97,164; cf. D. M. Halpe 215; Greek Homosexuality, London 1990, p. 69; and (on the difference rin, One Hundred Years ofHomosexuality, between the sexual sophrosyne of men and women) North (n. 12), pp. 76 n. 105, 206; A. Carson, 'Putting her in her Place: Women, Dirt, and Desire', inBefore Sexuality (n. 14), p. 142.
D.
L.
Cairns
is that which it
sophrosyne
virtue But then as a masculine is an that of the citizen warrior (his virtue is the characteristic virtue of a sophrosyne we to manhood the transition here and 18; the way youth a form of to manifest to that of women. analogous
in the Odyssey
are described and whose and timidity both as sophrosyne bashfulness as aidos. enters the context. of sexuality In his case no element But his is a trait that he shares with women, and shyness of this sort is shyness a form of in combined later literature with that is modesty frequently content. in is A Plato's sexual Charmides, specifically good example in the company him an excel whose erastai makes aidos of potential on the lent interlocutor towards of sophrosyne 19; modesty subject is also the ideal offered in the erastai Clouds Just (w. by Argument 973-980); young man Achilles and further be may of I.A. 21. of the type of representatives in the Ion of Euripides' found play the sophron 20, or in the
in young men is for the appropriateness of sophrosyne in their youth the Athenians both general relatively plentiful; prized to resistance of and the advances of erastai, modesty specific bearing to foster these 22. An exam and took steps, both in law and in custom, was in the fourth at least, of ten the provision, century ple of this one kosmetes, to oversee the the control under of sophronistai, general even the and institution of if the the of sophrosyne ephebes23; Evidence
18
See
Cornford
(n.
12),
pp.
252-258;
M.
Golden,
'Slavery
and Homosexuality
at
Athens', Phoenix
19 Greek other Charm. Homosexuality 'blushing
(both with
refs.).
keley
1954, pp. 12-14, 145 n. 19. 20 Ion 150; Garland (n. 3), p. 145.
21 I.A. 821-840.
boys'
Cornford cf. Dover, 155b-e, 157d, 158c-d; (n. 12), p. 257; between and Charm., (on the similarity (n. 17), p. 84, and Hipp., in PL) A.-J. Personal the Ber Greeks, among Festugi?re, Religion
E.g. Ar. Clouds 961-983, Birds 137-142; PL Symp. 183c-d, Phdr. 255a; Xen. Symp. 8, 19; Aeschin. 1. 9-12, 18; cf. Dover, Greek Popular Morality (n. 17), p. 215; Greek Homosexuality (n. 17), pp. 81-85, 88-90; Halperin (n. 17), p. 93. 23 See Arist. Ath. Pol. 42, 2-3; Ch. P?l?kidis, Histoire de T?ph?bie attique, Paris 1962, pp. 104-108; North (n. 12), pp. 195, 255; O. W. Reinmuth, TheEphebic Inscrip tions of the Fourth Century BC, Leiden 1971, pp. 2-3, 120, 130-131; P. J. Rhodes, A
Commentary land (n. 3), phronistai eutaxia and on p. are the Aristotelian cf. inscriptions reminded Athenaion Politeia, Oxford 15, 17-20 for their 166; 11, 1-6, 8-9, of and praised Gar 1981, pp. 503-504; in Reinmuth, the so where duty of fostering sophrosyne
22
The Meadow
of Artemis
57
cen form in the previous did not exist in its fourth-century ephebeia as the in is entirely virtue ephebe's tury 24, the stress on sophrosyne of assocations that with of other with youths ephebic quality harmony of the who fits the typology of Hippoiytus, the picture status, and with "\ respects important involve a form of sophrosyne lifestyle does, therefore, Hippoiytus' to that demanded but this is a feature of male of women, analogous to the female, out as similar that condition which marks adolescence him out as un does not in itself mark and so Hippoiytus' sophrosyne to his sophrosyne; for even lies in his attitude The problem usual. as total and perpet it is not envisaged is expected, that quality where cannot and women, of adults, both men The sophrosyne ual chastity. are married all normal adults connote because total celibacy, 26; the before abstinence total of involving parthenoi, though sophrosyne to sexual activity must afterwards 27; and in the give way marriage, not require are indications case of that sophrosyne need there youths, - a can in to sexual advances be total resistance sophron allegedly boy is to his submission in his erastes, discreet, private, provided giving a strategy this be and not immediately may 28; promoted forthcoming understand stand to gain, but one can nevertheless why by those who on sexual activity in youths might be felt as less rigor the prohibition - an eromenos on risk his civic sta ous than that might imposed girls or the sold his favours, of tus through having imputation promiscuity can a and mod discretion be avoided but this is danger which through on even the most adventure the part discreet eration; whereas amatory ephebe in several 24 See H. Jeanmaire, Couroi et Couret?s, Lille 1939, pp. 307-309; P?l?kidis (n. 23), pp. 71-79; Reinmuth (n. 23), pp. 123-138; Rhodes (n. 23), pp. 36-37, 51-52, 494-495; J. J.Winkler, 'The Ephebes' Song: Trag?idia and Polis', in J. J.Winkler and F. I. Zeitlin, edd., Nothing toDo with Dionysus?, Princeton 1990, pp. 25-31; Garland (n. 3), pp. 166, 183-187.
2o 156; cf. See id., The Black Hunter, P. Vidal-Naquet, Proc. 'The Black Hunter Revisited', Eng. trans. Baltimore Philol. Soc. Cambridge 1986, 32, pp. 1986, 106 pp.
(e.g.) Xen. Symp. 8, 21; PL Symp. 184a-185b; Aeschin. 1, 137; Dover, Greek Homosexuality (n. 17), pp. 47, 52, 83-84, 89-91, 97, 103, 106-107; cf. E. Can
tarella, 22. Bisexuality in the Ancient World, Eng. trans. New Haven 1992, pp. 20
318-320. 28 See
58 child and disaster risks an illegitimate of a parthenos to sexual advances in any case, even if total resistance as the ideal in young males, to a stage of progression norm 29. This means once that the again Hippolytus' uin all things forever" manifest (v. 80), sophrosyne a is it (v. 87) constitutes he he began problem; taking to take it30. ther than it is normal
D.
L.
Cairns
But
What
age is Hippolytus?
He
calls himself
an aner
(w. 994,
says he are im com 14; cf. his ex
calls him a neanias (v. 43), and the Servant 1031), Aphrodite v. are neoi); neos is 1098: his homelikes the terms (v. 114; cf. sense is made clear by Aphrodite's 31, but their general precise not touch bed that he does "refuses and (v. plaint marriage" w. to be his bride is ended by the contest of kourai 1040-1041: ile). Hippolytus teenth year; but is old enough his refusal
to marry, and so at least in his eigh a to since has become for marry problem we cannot is how much he older, say; Aphrodite, probably though as in his twenties. most he is to be imagined Thus he is no probably no even a meirakion, even a pais, though he maintains longer longer to sexual advances demanded the resistance of those age-groups. for a contem the sexual possibilities, Rather he is at that age at which
29 3), pp.
On 84-94;
the
chastity Reading
even Greek
as a
requirement Cambridge
of cult, 1986,
Tragedy,
(n. Do
wden
tative) again see W.
(n. 14), p. 132. 30 The (documented) chastity of youthful athletes in the Greek world, and the (pu
of hunters are, of course, chastity sex is never from such abstinence Burkert, 'Artemis Homo and Necans, Eng. Journ. both relevant envisaged Hell. Berkeley Stud. Oxford as to the of Hipp.; but presentation On athletic permanent. chastity, 1983, p. 102 and n. 43; H. Lloyd 1983, p. p. 99 326); D. (= Greek Sansone, Comedy, Greek
trans.
Jones, Hellenistic
Literature,
103, 1990,
Athletics and the Genesis of Sport, Berkeley 1988, pp. 52-54. 119-122; on hunting, see 81; Parker (n. 3), p. 84; Sansone, pp. 52, 70-71, 122; but, as M.
out Slain, {Dionysus Eng. in Hippoiytus', and Hearth also eros of are trans. in M. Baltimore Cropp, 1979, E. Fantham, forms (Dover, pp. cf. A. P. 23-52; S. E. Scully, edd., of sexual Greek
in illicit strong
xuality 21).
31 relia niese', which
cited
in Halperin
(n. 17), p. 86, Garland Classi di et? e passagi 102/1, 1990, pp. 37-51 neoi as young,
(n. 3), p. 14; cf. Canta ate di status nel diritto (neaniskos adults, as a term see C. A.
Forbes, Neoi: A Contribution to the Study of Greek Associations, Middletown 2. 5. 20 said passim; Garland (n. 3), pp. 200. 209 (on Hipp.).
post-ephebic
1933, pp.
The Meadow
of Artemis
59
were unlimited still to be porary Athenian, young perhaps, enough, to erastai, to marry, to pursue both attractive old enough old enough women at the point at which to and younger males 32. He is precisely a on the tal sexual sophrosyne becomes the problem; modesty enjoined virtuous which youth,
audience
to develop is threatening into lifelong celibacy, carries unheard the virtue of and of, Hippolytus an must into manhood. This strike Athenian form,
anomalous.
that Hippolytus takes to extremes was a desired sophrosyne eras context in in of their dealings with the youths, quality especially in Hippoly tai. But and this brings us to another of danger element as desirable eras that same quality was also regarded tus' speech by of tai. The bashfulness and his modest the lover's of the pais rejection advances made him a more and more attractive quarry. challenging of Anacreon's uthe with the maid for Compare, example, pursuit boy a case Tta? in of 360 "aidos PMG; jtaQfl?viov ?Xejtoov, (ob enly glance" or if ever there was) the the eyes" bashfulness 33; (to fetching The
of Charmides in Plato's dialogue (158c); or the obvious aL?xx)VTT]X,ov) arousal of the Just Argument in Clouds as he dwells lovingly on the
manifestations 34. Hippolytus'
in the paides of sophrosyne of yore (w. 973 a re out as him thus marks 978) potential sophrosyne as Dover attentions but of erotic those of men, cipient (primarily seem to have in the same qualities admired out35, women points so it is case as did erastai); cata and the this of (in suggestive youths desire we have been led to expect of sexual by clysmic) approach en to the very qualities which 36. His reference Aphrodite's prologue various
32
On
sexual
possibilities 2, 3; 4,
open 10-16;
to young 8, 2; Dover,
adult
Athenians,
see Dover,
34
124-125,
198-199. On the
pp. 68-81;
feminine/masculine
in eromenoi,
cf. Dover,
it makes the chase erastai because also attracts sophrosyne, erome the typical with also bears and so Hippoiytus elegiac comparison thrilling, all the more burn makes the erastes"1 desire hard-heartedness whose fiercely (e.g.
1319-1322, 1299-1304, 1295-1298, esp. 1329-1334); Thgn. 237-254, 1263-1266, interesting in this connexion is Thgn. 1283-1294, where the boy playing hard to get is attributed to conceit as well as to sophrosyne
Hipp, were perceived as a (highly untypical) compared to Atalanta, who, though ripe, refused marriage. Playing hard to get can be
76b); if
in
connect
60 tail both to remain the absence impervious of sexual to that desire in himself
and likely target typical I conclude From of Hippolytus' that consideration sophrosyne an extreme a virtue nor view he takes there are two problems: of (a) in those somewhat than him and admired commended younger mally his chastity the normal and prolongs cultural limit; and beyond as a the his he reveals of of (b) position recipient potential danger erotic attentions. Let us develop these the second points, taking first. self, For Kovacs, that Hippolytus of poetic density has been shown is a sign the poetic of the meadow passage beauty is an admirable character and sympathetic 37. But the than this, as and imagery goes far deeper language the exhaustive studies of A. 38, using by J. M. Bremer
triguingly
with
his
semnotes
(see below).
On
the power
of
the
eromenos,
cf. Golden
(n.
18), pp. 315-316. 37 (n. 5), p. 35; cf. A. N. Michelini, Euripides and the Tragic Tradition, Madison
she is (though in of intensity imagery and I cannot clearly symbolic, on this with Barrett point dicates and that symbolism, 1987, rare p. 291 as of the aware of the of the complexity meadow-imagery, is On the meadow account, this, a non-lyric any passage). n. 27 takes understand Schmitt issue (n. 11), p. 23 why can have Aidos as a in in itself that the meadow gardner the various indicators of purity in the meadow ("undefile only to be
d" [w. 73, 76], the bee [v. 77], personified Aidos, running water
to the meadow's is made of Hipp, clear by the reference purity quite to those who nature possess (w. 79-81). (For what sophrosyne by see J. strained of the meadow's interpretations symbols, Pigeaud, naissance On de soi', Et. class. the purity of 44, 1976, pp. 3-7). Cook, tienne, "Honeyed 'The Bee The in Mythology*, Journ. Hell. Stud. 15, 1895, pp. pp.
1981, pp. 95-109; A. P. Burnett, Three Archaic Poets, London 1983, p. 57 n. 11; Par ker (n. 3), pp. 77-78, 83, 95, 101. It is often pointed out that the bee will appear later in the play (w. 563-564) in association with Aphrodite (B. M. W. Knox, Word and
Baltimore Action, and Characterization 1979, in p. 226 [orig. pub. Euripides' Hippoiytus", B. D. 1952]; Gr. Rom. an Frischer. Byz. Stud. 'Concordia 11, 1970, Discors p. 89;
Rankin
this might p. 171); [n. 30], just perhaps to revise to the use his initial response cannot first n. be used to have hearing to Ar. Eccl. that suggest been perceived 973 there n. 55
attentive extraordinarily in the meadow-passage, in that place might reference (Burnett's the bee was associated [see Ussher's
39]
for cf.
the Muse
n.
of Love Bremer
Passages on is excellent
in the
Euripides' significance
The Meadow
of Artemis
61
even to convince Motte with 39. Motte evidence demonstrates, enough are most the reader and kepoi "*?, that leimones sceptical persistent uses his work erotic images in Greek to relate and Bremer literature,
the Hippolytus
(Sappho 2 V.;
196a West2) 4l. Another excellent illus Ibycus 286 PMG-, Archilochus in which tration of the theme would be Plato's Phaedrus, the location a lush of the of Achelous and the nymphs precinct by the dialogue, the form and content banks of the Ilissus, profoundly influences of the to the discussion of eros 42. But the closest parallel passage Hippolytus
are watered by
cf. Hipp. 73,
78). The re
to imag If so, by
it is hard in mind.
ciated
far
39
enough of Hipp.
in
working
out what
the
imagery
of the pas
Brussels
1973. ques"
Cf. now
(11-14 Avril 1991) II, Montpellier 1992, pp. 103-118. Montpellier 40 See esp. (n. 39), pp. 198-232; cf. Ca?ame (n. 39), pp. 106-117.
41 Cf. K. J. Reckford. 'Phaethon.
103, 1972, p. 416; Knox (n. 37), p. 229 n. 8; Devereux (n. 3), pp. 10-12, 46-8; Segal, Interpreting Greek Tragedy (n. 3), pp. 172, 175, 280.
42 Phdr. 229a-b, 1987, 230b-c, pp. das, Cambridge 3-4, 241e; 238c-d, 18-20. cf. G. R. F. Ferrari, Listening to the Cica
Hippolytus,
Aphrodite',
Trans.
Am.
Philol.
Ass.
43 An erotic motif; cf. (e.g.) Sappho 105a Voigt (cf. Theoer. 11, 39); Stesich. 187 PMG/PMGF, Ar. Clouds 996-997; A.P. 5, 79-80 (= 'Plato' 4-5 in Page, FGE); Theocr.
on in Gow, is a voluminous ad loc). There literature (with parallels apples as erotic see B. O. Foster, in Classical The of the Apple Anti symbols: Symbolism Harv. Stud. Class. Philol. E. S. Macartney, the Apple Be 'How 10, 55; 1899, p. quity', came the Token of Love', Trans. Am. Philol. Ass. J. Trumpf, 56, 1925, pp. 70-81; zur M. Lugauer, Hermes 14-22; 88, 1960, pp. 'Kydonische Apfel', Untersuchungen 5, 88-89 (etc.)
Symbolik des Apfels in der Antike, Diss. Erlangen 1967; A. R. Littlewood, 'The Symbo lism of the Apple in Greek and Roman Literature', Harv. Stud. Class. Philol. 72, 1967, pp. 147-181; M. K. Brazda, Zur Bedeutung des Apfels in der antiken Kultur, Diss. Bonn 1977; D?tienne (n. 30), pp. 41-44; M. Davies, 'Symbolism and Imagery in the Poetry of Ibycus', Hermes 114, 1986. p. 400; J. J.Winkler, The Constraints of Desire, London 1990, pp. 183, 186, 234 n. 20.
44 share ?ame Hipp.'s ferent, The other the typology, passages but the more in Motte and many (n. 39), (n. 38), to the is less striking. Ca passage similarity Hipp, linguistic and but n.b. that the assimilation of 'meadows' 'gardens', cited by Bremer even on if the associations both. of meadow and garden are dif
D.
L.
Cairns
to place it firmly ing his audience the passage still draws on the poetic symbolism in the Ibycus fragment lustrated and elsewhere. in portraying sage is like the Ibycus fragment inviolate
of one previous language is forc of the meadow Euripides in an erotic context. But even if not, of the meadow The Hippoiytus the meadow/garden as il pas as -
to maturity is a facet of the growth and pure; but this purity as is normal a is in exuberant of poetry, Ibycus' garden, place fertility; soon to be to maturity, its flowers and fruits are growing The plucked.
of the ripening of the fruits in the garden and the violent juxtaposition 4o eros not is in and Kypris of effects (as Bowra certainly argued) to contrast in and appropriate tended the seasonal of passion growth the young with the perpetual arousal of the older poet, but rather sug storm that the result of of the strikes the speaker gests passion which of the garden 417 will be the violation of the purity 46. Cf. Anacreon now in the leimon, but PMG: the Thracian sport and play filly may soon be tamed is the symbol the will meadow of 4?; (w. 5-6) again a to be violated. innocence sexual about has tabular Motte, indeed, in length which is five pages demonstrates that the meadow 49 D? of the locus Io deflorations and Oreithyia 48. virtually obligatory are among in meadows. those virgins abducted from or deflowered a a meadow to in is dan Even more for flowers virgin precisely, pick summary
45 Greek
46 Boreas, the
Cf. Davies
47 Cf. the for the boy/horse image); (and 1267-1270 pais in Thgn. 1249-1252 Anac.'s Thracian filly is recalled in the reference to Iole in Hipp. 545-554 (cf.Phaethon
233-234, struction The image denominator with in Reckford also M. R. Halleran, and De 'Gamos pp. 424-425; [n. 41], Trans. Am. Philol. Ass. 121, 1991, pp. 113-114). Euripides' Hippoiytus', a as common of the maiden/youth and interesting filly/colt provides possible between the passion of Boreas for the maiden and (n. 50 below) Oreithyia
for Trojan mares at //. 20, 219-229 (cf. Zephyrus, 16. 150-151). 48 208-212 (with refs.); for Motte, however, the numinous/religious (n. 39), pp.
aspects head: ment ant". of the meadow "Tout l'union are
primary,
and
purely
erotic
applications
of the meadow se
as
lo
l'image
49 d0
Choer.
[Aesch.] P. V. 651-654. Soph. fr. 956 R.; PL Phdr. 229b; Oreithyia gathers flowers prior to abduction in
fr. 7 Bernab? = Supp. Hell. 321 Lloyd-Jones-Parsons; cf. (in gen.) K. Neuser,
of Artemis
63
53 ?4 and Kore suffer rape and lose their d2, Creusa Europa while has not only been pre flowers 55. virginity gathering Hippolytus to fashion a sent in the meadow, its flowers he has also picked garland. as a is being presented It is clear that Hippolytus the likely sex-object; is its also his but exuberant meadow's also sym purity, purity growth as a whole bolizes his own ripeness 56, and the passage suggests not the
sudden The
sexual
is underlined by
to end his life as he his ominous prayer began the more keenly felt (and we are all the more 51 wood,
See Jeanmaire (n. 24), pp. 271-272; Motte (n. 39), pp. 43-44; C. Sourvinou-In 'Reading' Greek Culture, Oxford 1991), p. 65; Ca?ame (n. 39), pp. 106-108. On
as ritual (esp. in the cult = Bacch. 89-112 (rape); of Art.), see Motte, pp. 38-47; M. Blech, Stu
flower-gathering 52 Hes.
wer-gathering cf. Aesch. fr. 99 R. 53 Eur. Ion 887-896. 04 H Horn. Cer. 2-21
(n.b.
nn. 56-57
?5 tions Cf.
the homology
between
maiden
and
flower
in v. 8;
cf.
below),
also
417-432.
(and her motif, are fr. 26,18-23 Merk.-West. sisters), Hes. cf. (e.g.) Helen's abduction by Hermes not erotic, but still the flower gathering face of unexpected first arouses violence); the passion For adapta at Eur. Hel.
Stratonike
of the flower-gathering intentions 244-249 (Hermes' Helen's she Theocr. desirability is gathering 11, 25-27; of the Muses /innocence
in the
534a-b; A.P. 9,187; Gow on Theocr. 1,146; Motte [n. 39], pp. 307-308, 368-369; J.H. Waszink, Biene und Honig als Symbol des Dichters und der Dichtung in der griechisch r?mischen Antike, Opladen 1974).
own to his reference is underlined That the meadow by his Hipp, parallels as the meadow; is as pure and inviolate in v. 79; his "growth" cf., then, Ibycus physis is a thalos in the context, the object of desire where 288 PMG/PMGF, clearly Euryalus, roses a of the Horae, and has been nurtured of the Graces, among by Aphrodite charge and desirabi reinforces and Peitho; the flower/vegetation imagery Euryalus "ripeness" ?6
that Galatea hyacinths the metaphorical Erinna while she is gathering and Hades snatches = Le?nidas at AP. of the 98 Gow-Page flowers 7,13 (n.b. also the presence see association for the specific bet ad loc., and cf. n. 37 above; cbee' motif; Gow-Page, ween Bacch. PI. Ion cf. 10. and bee and poetic the pure industrious 10; inspiration,
lity; cf. Zenophila inA.P. 5, 144 (=Meleager 31 Gow-Page); also Straton, A.P. 12, 195 (the boy parallels the flowers both in his flourishing and in his imminent withe
ring). 57 ness In illustration of the young jxo? at Od. 6, 66 of the meadow the fertility between of the homology cites the 41 Motte for marriage (n. 39), p. telling phrases at H Horn. Cer. 79. and 20, 74, fro&eof) axoiti? and the ripe y?
datap?c
64 tarions
D.
L.
Cairns
of Hip of the meadow-imagery) because of the juxtaposition The the of with speech Aphrodite. poiytus' threatening prologue a sense not in is also it is associated another meadow place of danger sex but also with and fertility/fecundity, death 58. This as only with to the asso stands in no sharp antithesis however, pect of the meadow, ciation with coexists it as one and but rather with sex, life, fertility, are set for the whole. Meadows aside of ?9, and part regularly worship the presence for garlands and running water makes them a of flowers a process in which in the face locus of sacrifice, life is affirmed typical to is exploited of death 60. This antisyzygy of life and death particular at 777 ff. Aegisthus in watered Electra: is standing effect in Euripides' as a for a garland, for a sprigs of myrtle preparation gardens, plucking to the Nymphs with and childbirth al sacrifice (associated fertility v. 626) at when arrives him Orestes and makes the sacrificial 61, ready as a victim is high 62; the sinister aspect of the meadow place of death contrast the with ritual and the life-affirming fertility of the lighted by location. bolism in meadow/garden coexistence of vitality and mortality sym to the mystery is well documented Motte with reference 63, by 64 in Plato and elsewhere. and to eschatological But we myths religions see same order even in of the erotic passages, something specifically the abduction for in these the rape is and rape of maidens, involving not far short of death, creat itself an act of great violence, something victim. With this belongs ing terror in the innocent, flower-gathering This the identification persistent as abduction) sented and of death sexual abduction pre (or marriage in the of 6o, most myth obviously I.A. 1463,1544;Theocr.
the basic scenario.
26,1-26
fr.
Chaeremon death:
2 Gow-Page),
19 Gow
pp.
157-158;
?9
death
Motte
(n. 39),
on Hipp.
60 61 W. See
73-76; Davies
Burkert, F. I. Zeitlin.
Oxford
Am. Philol. Ass. 101, 1970, pp. 664-665. 62 Cf. Foley (n. 13). pp. 43-44; Michelini
135.
(n.14), p.
63
64 65
Motte (n. 39), p. 232; Burkert (n. 30), pp. 62-63, 152, 261-262; I. Jenkins, 'IsThere Life after Marriage? A Study of the Abduction Motif in Vase Paintings of the Athenian
The Meadow
65
in I.A. - her be Iphigeneia wedding in the meadow and takes place the place of Artemis, to to the intended her premarital perform obligations innocent and has oblivious 67. (like Kore), Hippolytus, virgin goddess ominous the flowers of the meadow of and this detail Artemis, plucked our that he is to die as, in some sense, a victim of reinforces knowledge
eros.
saw to the theme We of marriage. already a constitutes that Hippolytus of marriage 68, and that part of problem was his determination to persist in the sophrosyne this problem which in those in the stage between is typical and recommended and puberty manhood. He is thus a figure in transition who refuses to move on, and to Artemis, his devotion the symbolism of the meadow, together with is a central aspect of this. Just as the purity of the meadow is not asex This brings back the preservation of an untamed, fertile ual, but rather exuberantly so natural the of and of those associate who Artemis, space, chastity with her, is not sexlessness, but wild, inviolate 69. untamed, sexuality is the perpetual Artemis but herself those human virgin, typi beings, are her devotees are associated now in with Artemis cally girls, who contrast with order that their present wildness their later tame may to the yoke of sexual activity their bending 70. The purity ness, with is never perpetual, defined demanded of a devotee of Artemis always to an opposite state must into which reference with the devotee 71 .
pass
us
Wedding Ceremony', Bull. Inst. Class. Stud. London 30, 1983, pp. 137-146; Foley (n. 13), pp. 85-87; R. A. S. Seaford, 'The Tragic Wedding', hum. Hell Stud. 107, 1987,
C. Sourvinou-Inwood, 'The Young Abductor of the Locrian 106-130; ead. Inst. Class. Stud. London 20, 1973, pp. 12-20; (n. 51), pp. 67-68; to Death, Princeton 1994. Marriage pp. Bull. Pinakes', R. Rehm,
66
Jeanmaire
On
Burkert
of Artemis,
67
117-121; fules
189; Burkert (n. 60), pp. 150-151; Burnett (n. 30), p. 185 n. 68; Sourvinou-Inwood 51), pp. 75-77, 99-143.
68 On "problems of marriage" pp. in Eur. in general, esp. pp. see R. A. S. Seaford. on 'The Struc
de jeunes
archa?que
(n.
in Euripides',
109-121,
specifically on
s refusal of
69 See Motte
(n. 30), p.
70 See Seaford (n. 14), p. 124 (with refs.). 71 See Parker (n. 3), p. 92; Seaford (n. 14), p. 127.
66
D. L. Cairns
to Artemis is part of the initiation Devotion 72; Hippoly complex is already problematic in that he has entered the liminal stage, the not to and of He does wish has made his offer progress. stage danger, to Artemis is not to obtain leave to 73, but the aim of his dedication ing be married, but rather that the goddess should allow him to end his as an aner, but life as he began. He may refer to himself by rejecting in favour to remain of Artemis, in the Aphrodite by attempting an aner in the to is meadow he of inviolate become sexuality, refusing full sense 74; if he is to meet the demands of his culture he must take as husband, an his place head of oikos 7o. father, is problematic This but there is an even greater distur enough, no in bance of the cultural in and doubt here; pattern myth, tragedy, mar in real life too, it is chiefly the girl, the parthenos, who rejects looms large as a sudden and cataclysmic ir riage, for whom marriage are course of adulthood There and 6. of ruption sexuality exceptions tus
72 progress: Unmarried see are under the main the of Artemis, Jeanmaire and must (n. 24), obtain pp. 246, her leave 257-263, de Col to
tutelage
discussions)
283-286,
290; Brauron; dstream logy.
L. Kahil, rites
and M.
London
1978,
(cf. ead..
de
l'Acropole', Hesperia
(n. 30), bridge pp. 1985, 62-63,
Cam 151, 263; Lloyd-Jones Demos, (n. 30); R. Osborne. C. Sourvinou-Inwood, in Girls9 Transitions. Studies Athens Seaford Mortals and Immor (n. 14); J. P. Vernant. passim; see 209-212. For a good brief 215-219. 198-202, summary,
Garland
73 figurative, 'Artemis 184-185. Cf.
219-220.
for
229.
s the possibility that Hipp, be seen as a p. 177; (n. 30), garland see Reckford to Art., pre-marital (n. 41), p. 416; D. C. Braund, hair-offering Eukleia and Hell. Stud. 1980. Journ. 100, pp. Euripides' Hippoiytus',
74
the
Cf. F. I. Zeitlin,
in P. H.
Hippolytus\ 7o Here we
Criticism,
Durham
N.C.
p. 323;
1982, p. 131,
(e.g.) he has to (C. P. Segal,
Sourvinou-Inwood
The Myth of Bacchylides 17: Heroic Quest and Heroic Identity', ?ranos 11, 1979, pp. 23-37); cf. Jason in Pind. Pyth. 4 (C. P. Segal, Pindar's Mythmaking, Princeton 1986,
pp. 55-56 76 etc.) we as (on J. ephebe have also in A. R. Arg., of cf. R. L. Hunter, The Argonautica the meadow of Apol is more
lonius, Cambridge
As
of Artemis
67 the fe as en
such as Melanion) say that at 77, and one might (figures a male or a can be in level of myth the pattern either exemplified one as sees is of D?tienne the it, male, that, only rejection marriage sexes to when of both open young people pect of the deviance they with Artemis, as well males and all she represents, 79. But is associated the basic in which with the transitions in myth,
ter the world of the hunt 78.And at the level of ritual it is true that
of as females is that fact reflected ritual, grew to 80. It is
girl tragedy to marriage to create problems tended of resistance maturity is the central rite of passage, and it is for that marriage for the female to transition life for the her that marriage the definitive adult marks male im may be a sine qua non, but sexual activity, marriage though a man's as not to in soci is of function central the portant, conception that rejection 81. And let us remember ety as it is to that of the woman
the
circumstances
a Greek
readily associated with girls than youths; cf.H Horn. 30, 14-15
Hesych. these s.v. taijiovi?c are nymphai 77 A neaniskos cxqxtoc* to be who v?fxqpai, EJtei?f] ai vij^qpai or divine. 783-796;
?v xot? ^ei^icooiv
of Ibycus 286,
regarded shunned marriage,
itmatters
Ar. Lys.
as human
41; Vidal-Naquet, (n. 51), pp. (n. 25), pp. 119-120; 86-87; Cantarella (n. 31), p. 42. 78 D?tienne (n. 30), pp. 24-26; Segal, Interpreting Greek Tragedy (n. 3), p. 273; Burnett (n. 30), p. 168. 79 Jeanmaire (n. 24), pp. 318-323; Brelich (n. 72), pp. 133-136, 140, 175-177, 185; Burkert (n. 30), p. 65 and n. 31; Lloyd-Jones (n. 30), p. 97; Seaford (n. 14); J.M.
Redfield, 'From Sex to Politics: The Rites of Artemis Triklaria and Dionysos Aisymn?t?s
Black Hunter
Sourvinou-Inwood
at Patras',
229-243, 80 The
in Before Sexuality
passim. loci classici are Soph.
further Wilamowitz (n. 3), Hippolytos, pp. 26-27; Trag?dien, pp. 102-103; Reckford M. R. Lefkowitz, Heroines and Hysterics, London 1981, p. 20; King (n. (n. 41), p. 415; (n. 51), pp. 68, 74; Seaford (n. 65), p. 106, 111 14), pp. 114-115; Sourvinou-Inwood id. Dowden 112; (n. 14), p. 89. (n. 14), p. 119; 81 Dowden is right to point out that the ultimate telos of a 114-115 (n. 14), pp.
woman's for existence too what the woman is not marriage per is a means marriage is for, se but motherhood/birth or sine that qua non); the activities of the first but motherhood which as well nearly and define as child (and is a function male are fe so
of marriage,
marriage
in a way
an adult
in the counsel the oikos, polis, (warfare, giving administering more is it much is for both if sexes, not; necessary marriage male. On gamos as telos for women, see J.-P. Vernant,
Myth
in Ancient
Greece, Eng. trans. Sussex 1980, p. 89; D?tienne (n. 31), p. 32; Foley (n. 13), p. 89; Seaford (n. 65), p. 114; Garland (n. 3), p. 190. On the importance of the birth of the
first child, cf. A. van Gennep, The Rites of Passage,
King
Eng.
trans.
London
1960,
p.
177;
68 of marriage is basic to
D.
L.
Cairns
the Aphrodite's against Hippoiytus grudge is of stated in the 82. problem marriage early prologue we If that were all, however, to see be content might Hippoiytus' as an of marriage, it is, rejection problematic simply though example of a mythical/cultural more often pattern which, exemplified though in women, a man could none the less be exemplified is But this 83. by to ignore the aition which a close 8^: the grave of to the brings play is henceforth to be the focus for the songs, the offerings, Hippoiytus and the grief of to mar the transition adulthood girls making through are to make The to 8o. the riage gestures 86, girls appropriate mourning 82
pp. sting
52-54 the
and more
powerful anthropomorphic is no mere Aphrodite symbol, of her of influence to ritual deference) shows that her gement (as opposed sphere purely as a status of is also to the fore force natural ackno personification powerful (a status in passages such as w. 359-360. this is not, however, 443, 447-450, wledged 555-564); mere or G?tterkritik the Irrationalist', in (E. R. Dodds, metaphor Euripidean 'Euripides The Ancient Oxford x? eve after is 1973, cupoooiaia, all, p. of Progress, Concept 87); ryday Greek for "sex". p. 63; Burkert Cf. Dover (n. 60), (n. 17), p. 152; Greek also sexuality, Morality, Popular J.-P. Vernant. Myth p. 205; Greek and Thought Homo among
the Greeks, Eng. trans. London 1983, p. 329; Schmitt (n. 11), pp. 24, 33, 35-36; Segal, Interpreting Greek Tragedy (n. 3), pp. 168-19 n. 8; Garland (n. 3), p. 209.
83 Or perhaps as an indication of the temporary
maire
14],
[n. 24], pp. 153, 321. 353-357; Brelich [n. 72]. pp. 31. 72 n. 60, 164 n. 156; Vi dal-Naquet, Black Hunter [n. 25], pp. 116-117; Vernant [n. 81], p. 24; Dowden [n.
pp. 84 ford, 65-67; F. I. Zeitlin, inWinkler and Zeitlin
"sex-change"
of the
initiate
(Jean
xuality
and Society.
On the
[n. 24].
p. 67; D.
J. Cohen,
Law,
Se
Cambridge
Ca?ame
(n. 13), p. 21 n. 4; R. A. S. Sea Foley 124-129. 364-365. 275-277, 132, pp. s case, see Fauth II pp.
of
the aition
to
Reckford (n. 41), pp. 414-419; G. E. Dimock, ded', Yale Class. Stud. 25. 1977, pp. 241-242; 66-67; Segal, Interpreting Greek Tragedy (n. witz (n. 3), Hippolytos, pp. 27-31; Trag?dien,
zenian story cult as the origin Mythology in Greek of the Hipp, and Ritual, myth, Berkeley
Hipp,
(n. 3),
392-393;
'Euripides Hippoiytus, or Virtue Rewar Foley (n. 13), p. 87; Zeitlin (n. 74), pp. 3), p. 281; still fundamental isWilamo pp. 99-104 (despite his view of the Tro
see W. p. HI). Burkert. For a Structure dissenting and Hi voice, see 1979,
on which
(n. 11). p. 40 n. 93. On haircutting, see van Gennep (n. 81), pp. 130. 166-167; Jeanmaire (n. 24). pp. 257-248, 284. 380: Fauth (n. 3), II pp. 389-392; Burkert (n. 30), p. 63 n. 20; Sea ford (n. 65), p. 114; Dowden (n. 14). pp. 2-3. 66, 68.123; Garland (n. 3). pp. 179-180, Schmitt 86
326-327. pos wden. of Both initiaton s death and Hipp, as death: see van 35-37 etc. the
Gennep.
on pp.
to
69 cities,
Hippolytus
they lamented the death of female virgins) 8?, but they do make
the
with the example of Hippolytus before them they confront transition; the danger and overcome their fears. In cultural of deviation, terms, at the in dramatic the norm is restored but the of close, economy play's as reso is instituted the play itself, the ritual (the norm for the future) lution of the problem that Hippolytus We can now see the represents. extent in the cultural pattern consti that Hippolytus a not is but also in tutes; he only in that he rejects marriage, problem of the male the categories and the female; his very pe that he subverts is enshrined in his cult, his tomb venerated like those of dead culiarity of the dislocation
but around this central reminder of the youth who behaved maidens, like a parthenos life goes on as normal; before girls, with his example them as a reminder of deviance, make the transition of the possibilities to womanhood 88. on several The meadow dissonance levels: then, presents passage, as too far, his the social, takes his sophrosyne retaining Hippolytus as a man; the poetic, when he should be becoming youthful femininity undercuts the erotic image of the meadow determination Hippolytus' as to remain pure; and the religious/cultural/mythological, Hippoly a tus takes on the character and the of ini of maiden subverts process is tiation. I have but the separation treated these themes separately, are all of a and the three complexes artificial, piece. in the cultural the problem So far we have situated of Hippolytus woven. is These material from which the text of the meadow passage an audience's of I think, necessarily condition evaluation none as a character, to entail that is in but itself Hippolytus enough to him as an individual. We the audience will react unsympathetically on the basis of this could leave the matter there, and observe that, a whole from positive of audience characterization, responses, gamut a mistake, to negative, for part of But this would be be possible. might a to is with of the meadow the function passage supply Hippolytus in the play and conditions the his conduct character which motivates to that audience and of the external both of other characters responses factors will, 87
Jeanmaire (n. 24), pp. 341-342; Barrett, p. 4 n. 3; J.M. Redfield, 'Notes on the Greek Wedding', Arethusa 15,1982, p. 191; Seaford (n. 65), p. 108; id. (n. 14), p. 124;
Dowden 88 (n. If the then 14), tomb pp. of 2-4. of deviance only Hipp., be respected; and Trozen in the cult but cf. also Ph.'s the asso p. at the negative represents possibility Hipp, not of the maidens, Trozen, songs commemorating must that Aphrodite reaffirm the norm love (w. 1428-1430) at both Athens ciation and Aphr. between (vv. 31-32) Hipp, the
(Barrett,
5).
D. L. Cairns in the how the problems embodied are of the meadow matched by signs of negative speech on the surface level of action, and evalua reaction,
drew between his own how Hippolytus the connexion the the untouched meadow his of (w. 79-81); purity physis phy comes his innate is contrasted with the sis, from which sophrosyne, or or ac to of the who seek learn kakoi, presumably pretend plight are aristocratic cannot be doubted; sentiments quire virtue. That these innate and acquired is a commonplace the contrast between capacity We saw and in the epinicio which hellenic lence praises between 89; and the antithesis games terms and the kakoi the (however agathos for the of Pindar, those with for performance poetry and leisure the wealth at aristocratic komoi to compete in the Pan those of inherited excel and kakos might be 90.
of a leisured
class
of the
9. 100-103; Pyth.
edd..
8, 44-45; Nem.
Arete-kanon Gnomosyne:
1. 25-28;
3. 41-42.
Theogni Munich
archaische
cf. Cairns
Anachronism
Greek
grievance
280. N.b. that (n. 3), pp. 277, Tragedy is that he alone of the of Trozen politai rejects
part her
of (v.
12).
71
a small and his fellows, Hippoiytus true excellence, and everyone else, group of aristoi who alone possess our reaction in the drama; the kakoi, recurs at crucial points negative are not unambivalent when he to this, I think, means that our feelings 93. This
is later suspected and accused of being kakos himself (w. 942, 945, 959, 1031, 1071, 1075, 1191) 94.This is a very common word, but
them is an im of who the kakoi are and how we recognize the question recur at w. and the persistent theme 428-430); portant (e.g. Phaedra rence of the term in the evaluation be character must of Hippoiytus' at Theseus' kakos and considered horror thematic; being Hippoiytus' us of the meadow and remind conviction that he is kakos speech, even we know is of and innocent that Hippoiytus rape, though though to see him as kakos, we do feel that we not go so far as actually might so. in his being considered of poetic there is an element justice are that Of the several key terms of the meadow passage repeated is eusebeia is eusebeia. the play another Hippoiytus' throughout euse to and his claims of Artemis; closely bound up with his worship are out by the testimony of borne beia to a paramount amply degree w. 1417 at the play's close 1339-1340 the goddess herself 9o, (w. at least towards his chosen is eusebes, deity, and 1419): Hippoiytus we cannot convict him of any delusions of his rela about the closeness does not just comment objectively tionship with her 96. But Hippoiytus it in on the fact of his unique he with Artemis; presents relationship terms as a privilege he is innately he alone enjoys because normative or to learn has who else, everyone everyone acquire sophron-,
apragmosyne,
Quiet
Athenian,
pp.
Segal, Interpreting Greek Tragedy (n. 3), p. 190; Schmitt (n. 11), p. 21; C. Mirror: A Study ofKnowledge inEuripides' Hippolytus, A. E. Luschnig, Time Holds the Leiden 1988, p. 46 (though I doubt that Hipp, ever modifies his sophron/kakos polarity,
as Luschnig, 9d N.b. of p. the 84, argues). eusebes/kakos but the do regret in vv. if the gods 1339-1341; has every reason then Aphr. the non-eusebeis/kakoi, vv. of her favourite, death the future for regretting in is that, The to the same (w. 5-6). point principle share, Aphr.'s of her favourites of her enemy's punishment s eusebeia eusebeia. Hipp, is hybris is as par antithesis
94 Cf.
deaths for
the eusebeis,
Hipp, regarding for she subscribes 1420-1422), terms of the values which they legitimate as Artemis'
both
as
defence
tial as his sophrosyne; he does not "know how to sebein the gods" (plural, v. 996), he is n. not legiti theoseptor (v. 1364) of one god alone. Greek polytheism (see 5 above) does
mize
(n. 4), p. 85; Kovacs (n. 5), p. 35 (cf. Class. Philol. 75, 1980, pp. 134 135); contrast K?hnken (n. 11), pp. 188-189.
96 Heath
Hipp.'s
partial
eusebeia;
it reveals
it to be
imprudent
and
dangerous.
72
D. L. Cairns
to conclude that along with Hippoiytus' of Artemis worship possible a too view of himself? exalted somewhat goes to Kovacs, is culturally this line of argument inappro According no not have rec for "smug", had word and would the Greeks priate; to which that term applies the concept 9?. There is, however, ognized or does connote the word semnos, which self-importance exaggerated denies that semnos could translate and Kovacs "smug", self-respect. the question but this is just thus dismisses of Hippoiytus' semnotes-, cannot be if Hippoiytus the fallacy of false alternatives by qualified some same semantic the range as "smug", exactly adjective covering or self-im of his being considered conceited then there is no question even semnos is is that who But anyone accepts portant. Hippoiytus semnos is is he and that himself achtheinos clearly (v. 94); suggested .The Ser with the Servant esp. v. 93) (w. 88-120, by the exchange concern in Hippoiytus' vant's from what he has heard springs directly on the danger of his master's failure to dedicatory speech, and focuses a she deserves, the honour which he accord Aphrodite failure which a sense as a as of lack but also 105, 115, represents (w. 119), good be honoured breach of the rule that gods must (v. 107). Hippoiytus' to honour from his refusual then, cannot be separated "imprudence", a a to not is and refusal honour divinity divinity; only be "wrong" cause are it entails disastrous but because divinities consequences, by 97
98
to the semnotes of Aphr. herself (w. 99, emphasizes Hipp, nor any of the goddess, that Aphr. suffers from suggestion semnos is fault as Hipp., of mortals, (a) because positive regularly pejorative to it is a central when and theme of the Servants that (b) because gods; applied speech same standards not be must at all costs be mortals and gods must judged by the gods must in the face of the be deferential human (not semnos) respected, beings majesty 103), but the same (true semnotes) that one should Class. Rev. of the The traditional gods. so Barrett, call masters", p. 156; 16.1966, pp. ad of interpretation is loc.) clearly Bull. Inst. v. 88 right Class. ("for {pace Stud. M. it is the gods L. West. London 27.
15,1965,
274-275;
v. ob? jto?jcei ?ouXoi? Xeyziv at w.115-117 Kimoi, 117). (n.b. ??ojtoiva Aphr. on the ismade the in v. 4. and by the remarks ?ooxc?v greater point by pointed an audience at w. wisdom of the gods and their capacity for syngnome which 117-120; in the has seen Aphr. is knows that the Servants and that the prologue hope misplaced,
capacity for forgiveness is one of the ways in which gods do differ from mortals
reason to be circumspect and avoid senses of semnos applications when (particularly is so familiar) does that choice semnotes). the distinction not make confusion (n. 11). his That in sense argument the Servant between confused,
(all the
two hu
more
man
would
have us believe (p. 37; cf. Class. Philol. 75, 1980, pp. 132-133),
conclusion plausible tness of his master's the Servants '. Cf. K?hnken and their "testifies] 185-186, cf. N. and, Loraux. Ma.
(= Eng.
to the correc unwittingly on the ap pejorative L'invention d'Ath? 1986. pp. 319-322).
of Artemis
73
when
and one's good fortune that Aphrodite identifies as "thinking big" and which might legitimately be rephrased as hybris-, and the subjective
side valuation cern of which of hybris, the over-valuation of others, might equally on the Servant focuses so excite of the be described self which entails as semnotes. the qualities an under The con
to honour to complain entitled from mortals (and entitled is not forthcoming). that honour the point made This is precisely in the prologue; the gods demand of their su by Aphrodite recognition as re and mortals from any god would, (w. 7-8), periority Aphrodite, man sents any mortal who "thinks a to her For (w. 5-6). big" against can a to deference from withhold that he imagine god is for him adopt mor to the misguided conceit that the constraints which other apply as the Nurse tals do not apply to him; and this is "thinking big" (or, . w. con at at 474-476, puts hybris) quite legitimately Hippoiytus' in he is of his Artemis the of ception unique privilege enjoys worship a as the but of the result "more than homi mortal facts; justified by an he feels able to dishonour lia" (v. 19) he enjoys with one goddess, sense other. This the entails of oneself, one's claims, over-developed
of Hippoiytus
and through which he differentiates himself from the kakoi. This is the
at his worship of Artemis, himself point: Hippoiytus, through places sem the centre of the universe for anyone and has little concern else; nos is, of course, cognate with sebas, and it is no accident that the pos semnos is raised immediately after he has sibility of Hippoiytus' being on and commented His his particular brand of eusebeia. demonstrated if we need in fact, is his eusebeia viewed And semnotes, negatively. to Theseus' of this, we only have to turn once more de confirmation as we have in which, of the meadow seen, the qualities nunciation, are central. To wish for the ability passage extraordinary Hippoiytus' to stand beside his own tears himself and witness (w. 1078-1079)
99 that ment desire
Contrast
N.
R. E.
argument "persuasive an illicit to is tantamount resisting passion dishonouring of but the Nurse's be illegitimate, equation "seeking
Fisher, here
Hybris, involves
Warminster a
who claims 413-415, of hybris; the argu of sexual the goddess to be stronger than the
of the lat
as a way own claim to honour in the face of the of one's legitimate exalting accuses is in the same way, the "thinking of of others; which big" Aphr. Hipp, see D. L. Cairns, at least, in her mind pp. 416-418); hybris {pace Fisher,
'Hybris, Dishonour, and Thinking Big', Journ. Hell. Stud. 116, 1996, pp. 15-16; and, on Hipp.'s ?berheblichkeit, K?hnken (n. 11), pp. 184-189; this, as T. C. W. Stinton
points out {Class. Quart. 25, 1975, pp. 247-248), is Hipp.'s hamartia.
74 Theseus (oavxov... retorts, you're better practised in being just and pious
yourself parents"
(w. 1080-1081).
Theseus'
it belongs with the same negative evaluation of the ways; Hippoiytus' we considered set forth in the meadow that earlier; speech qualities sees the element not in Hippoiytus' Theseus of narcissism bizarre only too much it to his eusebeia, which he sees as entailing wish, he relates semnotes is it is sebas for himself 10?. If this precisely, psychologizing, in the play to adumbrate in the very terms used and psychologizing comment motivation its of characters. the upon in the play, then, the audience, in spite of its appre At this point ciation
is likely to feel for him in that situation 101,is reminded of the possibil
a construction of his character; when Theseus catego ity of negative as an eccentric comments he rizes Hippoiytus when charlatan, Orphic we on his son's sebas that these evaluations, for himself, recognize an assessment of his guilt, nevertheless with unjust they belong though as are not in of Hippoiytus without foundation the character entirely so far 102.And, uses the terms of when again, key presented Hippoiytus as an in his of the allu the meadow rebuttal of passage part charges, sive contrast between his own character and that of Phaedra, although we get the point of the allusion is right, still and know that Hippoiytus we are reminded of the precious of the meadow passage, exclusivity can a and how Theseus be infuriated and understand further, only by one semnotes is indication of his son's This 103. irrelevant, apparently in tragedy: of these "heart versus head" that are so frequent conflicts we know to is innocent, and we are inclined sympathize Hippoiytus with but a certain has him on that basis, been antipathy already our not and emotional does itself with aroused, response entirely align our rational of the rights and wrongs of the situation. Our appreciation
100 semnotes, terpretation aw/os/self-respect Cf. Vernant and contrast on how aidos shades into (n. 81), p. 336, Hipp.'s {qua self-respect) in Gould 57-58. who. in (n. 2), pp. deprecating psychological for the identification of excessive remark, ignores Thes.'s reply; semnotes see v. 490, and cf. I.A. 900-901. 996-997 (reading L"s
of Hippoiytus'
innocence,
and
thus
in spite
of the
sympathy
it
of Hipp.'s with
1342-1344, with Cairns (n. 11). pp. 276 n. 41, 284, 313. aideisthai), 101 See Fauth (n. 3), I pp. 542-543; Vickers (n. 5), p. 294. 102Cf. Vernant (n. 81). p. 327; Michelini (n. 37), p. 308. On characterization
this agon 103 Cf. in general, cf. M. Lloyd. The Agon in Euripides, the to focus forget Oxford 1992,
in
pp.
43-51. v. 1364, towards - even as oe^iv?? ?ycb xai Oeooejitcdq the end of the play we are not allowed on Hipp.'s pitiable the problems of his
fate narrows
[n. 3], I
The Meadow
of Artemis
75
of Hippolytus' of his violation of cultural strangeness, appreciation and various of the dissonances created the meadow norms, by speech a to him as a character which is never degree of antipathy belongs with not is certainly the normal; wholly dispelled. Hippolytus "perfectly" sets up he dedicates his garland of character speech in which problems on both and cultural and individual levels which condi surface, deep to him tion our response the play. throughout
University
of Leeds