9782035979230 - Phèdre In 1677, Phèdre, the last great tragedy of Racine, stages the mythical descent into hell of a misunderstood. Doomed by her heredity, Phèdre hopelessly loves her stepson Hippolyte. When her husband, Theseus, returns, he unjustly sends his son to death. We then witness the poisoning of a woman who is both innocent and guilty. Tragic irony that demonstrates how love can be experienced as a curse.