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
Key Terms to Review (16)
Aristotelian Tragedy: Aristotelian tragedy refers to a dramatic genre defined by Aristotle in his seminal work 'Poetics,' where he outlines the characteristics and purpose of tragedy. This type of tragedy is marked by its focus on the downfall of a noble hero due to a tragic flaw, evoking emotions of pity and fear in the audience. The structure often includes elements such as peripeteia (reversal of fortune) and anagnorisis (recognition), which contribute to the cathartic experience intended to cleanse the emotions of the viewers.
Catharsis: Catharsis refers to the emotional release or purification that an audience experiences while engaging with a dramatic performance, particularly in tragedy. It is a process where feelings of pity and fear are evoked, leading to a sense of relief and renewal at the end of the play. In the context of French tragedy, especially in the works of Pierre Corneille, catharsis serves as a key mechanism for engaging the audience's emotions, allowing them to confront complex moral dilemmas and emotional struggles through the characters' experiences.
Conflict between Duty and Love: The conflict between duty and love refers to the moral dilemma that characters face when their obligations, often dictated by social norms or family expectations, clash with their personal desires and romantic inclinations. This struggle is a central theme in many dramatic works, particularly in French tragedy, where characters often find themselves torn between their responsibilities and their passion for others, leading to intense emotional and narrative tension.
Dramatic Unities: Dramatic unities refer to the classical principles of dramatic structure that emphasize three key elements: unity of time, unity of place, and unity of action. These principles were central to the development of French tragedy, particularly in the works of playwrights like Pierre Corneille, who sought to create cohesive and compelling narratives that adhered to these unifying concepts. By focusing on a single plot, a limited time frame, and a consistent setting, dramatic unities aimed to enhance the emotional intensity and clarity of the theatrical experience.
Five-act structure: The five-act structure is a framework for organizing a play into five distinct sections, typically including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This model helps playwrights create a compelling narrative arc that builds tension and develops characters over the course of the story. It has been a fundamental element in the development of classical theatre, particularly in the context of French tragedy, where playwrights like Pierre Corneille utilized this structure to enhance dramatic effectiveness.
French Classical Theatre: French Classical Theatre refers to a style of theatrical performance and playwriting that emerged in France during the 17th century, emphasizing strict adherence to classical unities, moral themes, and the use of heightened language. This form of theatre was heavily influenced by ancient Greek and Roman drama, prioritizing order, clarity, and decorum, which became essential elements of French tragedy and comedy during this period.
Honor: Honor refers to a concept of personal integrity, reputation, and social value, often linked to ideas of virtue, nobility, and moral standing. It plays a crucial role in shaping character motivations and interpersonal conflicts, particularly within dramatic narratives where personal and societal expectations collide. In various cultural contexts, honor can dictate actions and decisions, affecting how characters perceive themselves and are perceived by others.
Horace: Horace was a Roman poet active during the time of Emperor Augustus, known for his influential works that shaped the literary landscape of ancient Rome. His writings explored themes such as love, friendship, and the nature of poetry itself, which laid the groundwork for later literary forms, including tragedy. His ideas also resonated with French playwrights like Pierre Corneille, who drew inspiration from Horace's concept of moral purpose in drama.
Hubris: Hubris refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to a downfall. In literature, especially in tragedy, it is a common theme where a character's hubris causes them to ignore warnings or violate moral codes, ultimately resulting in their ruin. This concept is particularly significant in the context of French tragedy as it showcases the struggle between human ambition and moral limitations.
Jean Racine: Jean Racine was a prominent French playwright of the 17th century known for his mastery of neoclassical tragedy. His works are characterized by intense emotional conflicts, a focus on psychological depth, and a strict adherence to the principles of classical dramatic structure. Racine built upon the foundation laid by earlier playwrights like Pierre Corneille, refining the elements of French tragedy and elevating the genre to new artistic heights.
Le Cid: Le Cid is a classic French play written by Pierre Corneille, first performed in 1637, that is often regarded as a foundational work of French tragedy. The play is based on the Spanish legend of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, and it explores themes of honor, duty, and love amid conflict. Its significance is highlighted by the influence it had on the development of French drama and the role it played in the cultural landscape shaped by figures like Cardinal Richelieu and the Académie Française.
Molière: Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was a French playwright and actor who is considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His works reflect a deep understanding of human nature and often critique the social norms of his time, particularly through satire and humor. Molière's influence on the evolution of French comedy is profound, and he is often juxtaposed with contemporaries like Corneille and Racine, as he brought a unique blend of wit and moral insight to the stage during the Baroque period.
Monologue: A monologue is a long speech delivered by a single character in a play, expressing their thoughts, feelings, or reflections. In the context of French tragedy, especially during the time of Pierre Corneille, monologues served as a powerful tool for character development and dramatic expression, allowing audiences to engage deeply with the inner turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by characters. These speeches often reveal the complex emotions and motivations that drive the action of the play.
Neoclassical Ideals: Neoclassical ideals refer to a set of artistic and literary principles that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing order, harmony, and adherence to classical forms and themes from ancient Greece and Rome. These ideals influenced drama, particularly in French tragedy, where playwrights sought to create works that showcased moral lessons, clarity of expression, and unity of time, place, and action. This movement was a response against the excesses of Baroque art and sought to revive the rationality and aesthetic simplicity of classical antiquity.
Renaissance Influence: Renaissance influence refers to the significant cultural, artistic, and intellectual advancements that emerged during the Renaissance period, which profoundly shaped European art and literature. This influence is characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity, humanism, and the exploration of individualism, all of which played a crucial role in the development of various art forms, including theatre. In the context of French tragedy, this influence is evident in the emphasis on dramatic structure, character development, and the exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas.
Tragic hero: A tragic hero is a central character in a dramatic narrative who possesses noble qualities but ultimately experiences a downfall due to a tragic flaw or fate. This concept highlights the complexity of human nature, revealing that even the greatest individuals can make grave mistakes or be subjected to unavoidable circumstances that lead to their demise. In the context of French tragedy, the tragic hero often grapples with moral dilemmas and societal expectations, which deepens the emotional impact of their journey.