Final answer:
Aphrodite, in the context of the Hippolytus story, is portrayed as a sensual, powerful, and sometimes capricious deity. The Praxiteles' sculpture, Aphrodite of Knidos, represents her allure and influence, showcasing her in a pose that implies modesty but also teases the onlooker.
Step-by-step explanation:
Our impression of Aphrodite from the story of Hippolytus is one of a complex character embodying sensuality, vanity, and the ability to affect human lives profoundly. The Aphrodite of Knidos, a sculpture by Praxiteles, is emblematic of the goddess's sensuality and beauty.
Exemplifying this is her modest yet tantalizing pose detailed in the sculpture, where she makes 'little attempt to cover herself' and is seen 'teasing and ignoring her viewer,' which encapsulates the notion of a deity who is not shy about her sexuality and is aware of her magnetic allure.
In ancient narratives, Aphrodite's involvement in Hippolytus' story further amplifies our perception of her as a powerful divine being capable of blessing and cursing human endeavors. Her anger towards Hippolytus' chastity and her resultant actions indicate her strong influence on human fate and the often capricious nature of the gods.
Hence, Aphrodite is seen as a multifaceted figure in Greek mythology—both enchanting and formidable, whose divine will has tangible, sometimes devastating, consequences on earthly lives.