Jean Baptiste Racine was a 17th century French dramatist. Racine along with Moliere and Corneille are considered the Big Three in 17th century drama. Racine is best known for his tragedies, although he did write several comedies. Phaedra is a 5 act tragedy written in Alexandrine verse. In this tale from Greek mythology Thesee Phaedre in the absence of her royal husband declares her love to Hippolyte who is Thesee's son from a previous marriage."