Mithridates: Analysis of Major Characters
"Mithridates: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and emotional conflicts among the key figures in the narrative centered around Mithridates, the king of Pontus. The story unfolds against a backdrop of longstanding conflict with Rome, highlighting Mithridates’ complex feelings, including jealousy and betrayal. He is deeply in love with Monime, a younger woman who is also the object of affection for his two sons, Xiphares and Pharnace. This love triangle leads to tragic consequences, as Mithridates’ jealousy drives him to drastic actions, ultimately resulting in his death by suicide after mistakenly believing he has been betrayed by both sons.
Monime, who is devoted to Mithridates despite her love for Xiphares, faces her own struggles as she navigates the emotional turmoil created by Mithridates' schemes. Xiphares, who shares his father's animosity toward the Romans, grapples with his feelings for Monime and the rivalry with his brother. Pharnace’s alliance with the Romans and refusal to engage in a political marriage further complicates the family's dynamics. Other characters like Arbate and Phoedime provide additional layers of loyalty and friendship, contributing to the rich tapestry of conflicting loyalties and tragic outcomes. This analysis sheds light on themes of love, jealousy, loyalty, and the human condition within the historical context of Mithridates’ reign.
Mithridates: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jean Racine
First published: 1673 as Mithridate (English translation, 1926)
Genre: Play
Locale: Nymphée, on the Bosporus
Plot: Tragedy
Time: First century b.c.e.
Mithridates (mee-tree-DAHT), the king of Pontus, who has been fighting the Romans for forty years. At first, he is believed dead, but this rumor proves to be false. He is in love with Monime, a woman much younger than himself, and he is very jealous of his two sons, who are both also in love with Monime. His jealousy causes him to set up a plan whereby he can learn whom Monime really loves. In the end, he believes that both of his sons have betrayed him by joining his enemies, the Romans, and he kills himself. Before he dies, he learns that the older son has remained loyal to him, and he blesses Monime and this son.
Monime (moh-NEEM), the young woman Mithridates loves. She is in love with Mithridates's son Xiphares, but she determines to remain faithful to Mithridates in spite of this. After he tricks her into revealing whom it is she really loves, she refuses to marry him. She tries to kill herself and is glad when Mithridates sends a servant to poison her. Monime is finally united with Xiphares, with Mithridates's blessing.
Xiphares (gzhee-fah-REHS), Mithridates's son, who shares his father's feelings of enmity toward the Romans. He has been in love with Monime since the first time he met her. He says nothing about his love until his father is reported to be dead. Xiphares suffers greatly when he discovers that his brother also loves Monime and that his father, who is still alive, is returning. Xiphares finally routs the Romans and succeeds to the throne, with Monime as his queen.
Pharnace (fahr-NAHS), Mithridates's other son, also in love with Monime. He sides with the Romans against his father. Pharnace refuses to marry the daughter of the Parthian king, with whom his father wishes to make an alliance.
Arbate (ahr-BAHT), Mithridates's confidant, who tells him that Pharnace is in love with Monime.
Phoedime (feh-DEEM), Monime's loyal friend and confidante.
Arcas (ahr-KAHS), a servant, charged with giving poison to Monime.