Euripides' `Hippolytus' was written in 428 BC and explores several ideas and concepts, relevant to both ancient Greece and our modern world; some of these subjects play a more prominent part in the play than others. Important issues in `Hippolytus' can be said to be honour, and the importance of dying honourably, such as in Phaedra's case; human error, and the effects it has on other characters and situations in the play; and lust, such as that experienced by Phaedra and the consequences that this lust has. However the main theme in `Hippolytus' is respect; this includes respect for both mortals and immortals in the play as well as loyalty between family members and friends.

Firstly, Hippolytus seems to disrespect Aphrodite by refusing to worship her and by denying lust and women as part of his human nature, `Your Aphrodite? No! To me she means nothing.' This is...