4.2 Pierre Corneille and the development of French tragedy

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, honor, 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 "Le Cid" and "Horace" 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 neoclassical ideals of verisimilitude and decorum, presenting plausible and appropriate actions and behaviors

Tragic Heroes and Moral Dilemmas

• The plays often feature a central tragic hero 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 Jean Racine
• 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