Double Identities in Seneca’s Phaedra. Siblings, Theseus/Hippolytus and the Amazon within Phaedra’s Confession of Love

In this paper, I first conduct a close reading of Sen. Phaedr. 646-666, emphasising the differences from the widely recognised Ovidian model. The focus is on examining Phaedra’s rhetorical and erotic strategy, characterised by a blurring of identities, roles, and literary memories, especially with reference to her account of the Cretan myth. I also consider the relevance of the Virgilian similes between Dido and Diana, as well as Aeneas and Apollo, in relation to the comparison of Phaedra’s beloved to the sibling gods. The analysis then discusses the theme of father-son resemblance and its implications within the dynamics of an incestuous relationship, considering the model of Dido’s affection towards Ascanius as an erotic substitute for Aeneas. Lastly, I delve into the function and implications of Hippolytus’ Amazonian descent in Phaedra’s declaration of love, exploring its impact on Hippolytus’ reaction to Phaedra’s words and the subsequent development of the play.