4.4 French classicism: Molière, Racine, and Corneille

French classicism shaped 17th-century literature, emphasizing order, clarity, and reason. Molière, Racine, and Corneille led this movement, creating works that adhered to strict rules while exploring human nature and societal issues.

Their plays critiqued social norms, religious hypocrisy, and the aristocracy. They used humor, irony, and psychological depth to examine themes of honor, duty, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.

Principles of French Classicism

Key Characteristics of French Classicism

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• Emerged in the 17th century heavily influenced by ideals of order, clarity, and reason
• Adhered to the three unities of action, time, and place to maintain a sense of verisimilitude (likeness to truth)
• Used elevated language and style to convey a sense of grandeur and importance
• Focused on themes of honor, duty, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations
• Characterized by strict adherence to literary rules and conventions such as the use of alexandrine verse in drama (12-syllable lines with a caesura)

Influence of Ancient Greek and Roman Literature

• Heavily influenced by works of ancient Greek and Roman authors (Aristotle, Horace)
• Sought to emulate the perceived perfection of classical literature
• Incorporated elements of classical mythology and history into their works
• Adapted classical themes and structures to fit the cultural and social context of 17th-century France
• Aimed to create a new form of classical literature that reflected the values and ideals of French society

Social Critique in French Classicism

Molière's Comedic Critiques

• Molière's comedies served as critiques of societal norms, religious hypocrisy, and the aristocracy
• "Tartuffe" satirizes religious hypocrisy and the dangers of blind faith in authority figures
• "The Misanthrope" critiques the superficiality and insincerity of French aristocratic society
• Uses humor and irony to expose the flaws and follies of his characters and the society they represent
• Creates complex characters who embody the vices and virtues of French society

Racine and Corneille's Tragic Explorations

• Racine's tragedies explore the human condition, particularly the destructive nature of passion and the conflict between love and duty
• "Phèdre" depicts the tragic consequences of forbidden love and the struggle between passion and reason
• "Andromaque" explores the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the destructive power of revenge
• Corneille's tragedies deal with themes of honor, duty, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations
• "Le Cid" portrays the conflict between love and honor and the consequences of defying societal norms
• "Horace" explores the themes of patriotism, loyalty, and the cost of war on individuals and families

Impact of French Classicism on Theater

Influence on European Theater

• French classicism significantly influenced theater development in Europe (England, Germany, Italy)
• Playwrights throughout Europe adopted principles of French classicism (adherence to three unities, emphasis on verisimilitude)
• Works of Molière, Racine, and Corneille were widely translated and adapted inspiring a new generation of playwrights
• Later playwrights (William Shakespeare, Friedrich Schiller) incorporated elements of classical structure and themes into their plays
• French classicism's influence can be seen in the use of elevated language, adherence to literary conventions, and exploration of universal themes

Legacy in Contemporary Theater

• Legacy of French classicism continues to be felt in contemporary theater
• Many modern productions draw inspiration from works of Molière, Racine, and Corneille
• Contemporary playwrights adapt classical themes and structures to explore modern social and political issues
• French classical plays are still widely performed and studied in academic and professional theater settings
• Principles of French classicism continue to shape the way we understand and appreciate theater as an art form

Irony and Wit in Molière and Racine

Molière's Use of Irony and Wit

• Molière's comedies known for use of irony and wit to expose follies and vices of characters
• Uses satire and parody to critique societal norms and behaviors
• Characters' actions often reveal their true nature despite attempts to conceal it
• Irony serves to highlight discrepancy between characters' words and actions or perceived and actual motivations
• Wit takes the form of clever wordplay, puns, and double entendres that reveal subtext of a scene or conversation

Psychological Depth in Racine's Tragedies

• Racine's tragedies characterized by exploration of characters' inner lives and psychological turmoil
• Depicts the conflict between passion and reason and the destructive consequences of unchecked emotions
• Uses characters' speech and actions to reveal their psychological states creating a sense of depth and complexity
• Irony often serves to highlight the tragic nature of characters' circumstances and the inevitability of their fate
• Subtle wit in the form of clever wordplay and double meanings adds layers of meaning to the text
• Creates complex characters whose motivations and desires are often in conflict with societal expectations and moral codes