4.2 Pierre Corneille and the development of French tragedy
4 min read•august 13, 2024
Pierre Corneille shaped French tragedy in the 17th century. His plays followed neoclassical rules, featuring moral dilemmas, elevated language, and complex characters. Corneille explored themes of love, , duty, and faith, setting the standard for French tragic drama.
Corneille's influence on French theatre was profound. He established conventions for tragedy, created psychologically deep characters, and used ornate language. His works like "" and "" became models for future playwrights, solidifying tragedy's prestigious status in French literature.
Corneille's Tragic Plays
Adherence to French Neoclassical Principles
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Corneille's tragedies adhere to the principles of French neoclassicism emphasizing unity of action, time, and place
The plays maintain a focused plot structure with events occurring within a 24-hour timeframe and a single location
Corneille's works uphold the of verisimilitude and decorum, presenting plausible and appropriate actions and behaviors
Tragic Heroes and Moral Dilemmas
The plays often feature a central or heroine who faces a moral dilemma or conflict between love and duty
Corneille's characters are driven by strong passions and a sense of honor leading to intense psychological struggles
The protagonists must navigate complex ethical choices and confront the consequences of their decisions (Rodrigue in "Le Cid", Horace in "Horace")
Elevated Language and Rhetorical Devices
The language in Corneille's plays is elevated and poetic with characters engaging in lengthy monologues and rhetorical speeches
Corneille employs sophisticated vocabulary, elaborate metaphors, and eloquent expressions to convey the gravity of the characters' emotions and conflicts
The use of rhetorical devices such as apostrophe, hyperbole, and antithesis heightens the dramatic impact of the plays
Thematic Explorations
Corneille's tragedies often explore themes of free will, determinism, and the consequences of human actions
The plays delve into the tension between individual agency and external forces such as fate, social expectations, and moral obligations
Corneille examines the psychological and emotional toll of making difficult choices and the repercussions that follow (Polyeucte's religious devotion in "Polyeucte", Cinna's political ambitions in "Cinna")
The plays frequently incorporate political and social commentary reflecting the values and concerns of 17th-century French society
Influence of Corneille on French Tragedy
Establishing Conventions and Standards
Corneille is considered one of the founders of French neoclassical tragedy alongside
His plays, such as "Le Cid" and "Horace," established the conventions and standards for French tragic drama in the 17th century
Corneille's emphasis on verisimilitude, decorum, and the three unities (action, time, and place) set the template for subsequent French tragedies
The success and popularity of Corneille's plays helped to solidify the status of tragedy as a prestigious genre in French literature
Psychological Depth and Moral Complexity
The psychological depth and moral complexity of Corneille's characters influenced the development of tragic heroes and heroines in French drama
Corneille's protagonists grapple with intense internal conflicts and face difficult moral choices that resonate with audiences
The exploration of the characters' inner lives and the nuances of their decision-making processes became a hallmark of French tragic drama
Linguistic and Rhetorical Influence
Corneille's use of elevated language and rhetorical devices became a hallmark of French neoclassical tragedy
The poetic and ornate style employed by Corneille set a standard for the linguistic artistry expected in tragic plays
Subsequent French dramatists emulated Corneille's rhetorical techniques and sought to achieve a similar level of linguistic refinement in their works
Themes and Conflicts in Corneille's Works
Love versus Honor
"Le Cid" (1637) explores the conflict between love and honor as the protagonist Rodrigue must choose between avenging his father and pursuing his love for Chimène
The play also addresses the theme of family loyalty and the consequences of adhering to a strict code of honor
Rodrigue's internal struggle highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations
Patriotism and Familial Bonds
"Horace" (1640) depicts the tragic story of three brothers who fight on opposing sides during a war between Rome and Alba highlighting the tension between patriotism and familial bonds
The play examines the themes of duty, sacrifice, and the cost of pursuing glory and fame
The characters must confront the conflict between their allegiance to their country and their love for their family members
Political Power and Moral Ambiguity
"Cinna" (1641) centers on a conspiracy against the Roman emperor Augustus exploring the themes of political power, clemency, and the moral implications of seeking revenge
The play delves into the internal struggles of characters torn between loyalty and ambition
Corneille presents a complex portrait of political dynamics and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of authority
Religious Devotion and Earthly Attachments
"Polyeucte" (1642) tells the story of a Christian martyr who chooses to die for his faith showcasing the conflict between religious devotion and earthly love
The play examines the themes of faith, sacrifice, and the power of spiritual conviction in the face of adversity
Polyeucte's unwavering commitment to his religious beliefs clashes with his love for his wife and his ties to the material world