4.4 French classicism: Molière, Racine, and Corneille
4 min read•august 13, 2024
shaped 17th-century literature, emphasizing order, clarity, and reason. , , and 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 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, )
- 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
- "" satirizes religious hypocrisy and the dangers of blind faith in authority figures
- "" 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
- "" depicts the tragic consequences of forbidden love and the struggle between passion and reason
- "" 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
- "" 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 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
Key Terms to Review (23)
Andromaque: Andromaque is a classic French tragedy written by Jean Racine in 1667, based on the character from Greek mythology, specifically from the works of Euripides and Homer. The play centers on themes of love, loyalty, and revenge, capturing the emotional turmoil faced by its characters against a backdrop of historical conflict. It exemplifies the principles of French classicism through its adherence to the unities of time, place, and action, as well as its exploration of human passions in a structured format.
Comédie: Comédie refers to a genre of literature and theater that primarily aims to entertain and provoke laughter through humorous situations, character flaws, and satirical commentary. This genre played a significant role in shaping French classicism, particularly through the works of playwrights who used comedic elements to critique society and human behavior.
Comedy: Comedy is a genre of literature and performance that aims to entertain and amuse, often highlighting human follies and societal norms through humor. It typically features light-hearted themes, exaggerated characters, and happy endings, contrasting with the serious nature of tragedy. Comedy serves as a reflection of human nature and social dynamics, often providing commentary on life’s absurdities.
Corneille: Corneille refers to Pierre Corneille, a prominent French playwright of the 17th century known for his significant contributions to French classicism, particularly in the realm of tragedy. His works often revolve around themes of honor, morality, and the complexities of human nature, embodying the ideals of classicism which emphasize order, restraint, and adherence to classical models.
Decorum: Decorum refers to the appropriateness of behavior, style, and language in literature and art, ensuring that the form matches the content and audience. It plays a critical role in classical literature, where it dictates that characters, settings, and situations should align with their social status and context, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. In the context of drama and poetry, decorum helps establish a connection between the audience and the narrative by maintaining consistency in tone and character actions.
Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation. It values evidence and experimentation as the foundation of knowledge, leading to an understanding of the world based on what can be seen, heard, or otherwise experienced rather than relying solely on intuition or abstract reasoning. This approach significantly influenced literature and thought during pivotal cultural movements.
French Classicism: French Classicism refers to a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the 17th century, emphasizing order, clarity, and harmony in response to the chaos of the previous era. This movement is characterized by its adherence to classical ideals derived from ancient Greek and Roman works, focusing on reason and balance, while also highlighting moral lessons through literature and drama.
Horace: Horace was a prominent Roman poet active during the time of Augustus, renowned for his mastery in lyric poetry, particularly odes, satires, and epistles. His work reflects the cultural and political landscape of his era, showcasing themes like love, friendship, and the joys of life while often critiquing societal norms. Horace's influence extends beyond Rome, resonating through subsequent literary movements and shaping the development of poetry in later periods.
Humanism: Humanism is an intellectual and cultural movement that emphasizes the value of human beings, focusing on the study of classical texts, human potential, and individual achievement. It arose during the Renaissance and sought to reconcile classical philosophy with contemporary thought, fostering a renewed interest in the humanities, such as literature, philosophy, and history.
Le Cid: Le Cid is a tragicomedy written by Pierre Corneille, first performed in 1637, that is often regarded as a defining work of French classicism. The play tells the story of the young nobleman Rodrigue and his struggles between love and honor, encapsulating the tension between personal desires and societal expectations that characterize classicist literature. Its themes of duty, honor, and conflict resonate deeply within the context of 17th-century French drama, especially in relation to other prominent playwrights of the time.
Molière: Molière was a prominent French playwright and actor of the 17th century, known for his comedic works that satirized the social norms and pretensions of his time. His plays, often characterized by wit, humor, and keen observation of human behavior, are key examples of French classicism, influencing not only French literature but also the broader European theatrical tradition.
Phèdre: Phèdre is a classic French tragedy written by Jean Racine, first performed in 1677. The play is based on Greek mythology and centers around the themes of forbidden love, jealousy, and the destructive power of passion, highlighting the emotional turmoil faced by the titular character, Phèdre. This work exemplifies the characteristics of French classicism, showcasing a focus on unity of time, place, and action, as well as the exploration of human emotions in a structured dramatic form.
Racine: Jean Racine was a prominent French playwright of the 17th century, known for his tragedies that exemplified the principles of French classicism. His works often explore themes of passion, fate, and moral conflict, reflecting the classical ideals of reason and order in human behavior.
Rationalism: Rationalism is a philosophical belief that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, often contrasting with empiricism, which relies on sensory experience. This approach values logical deduction and intellectual reasoning, arguing that certain truths can be understood through innate ideas or concepts. Rationalism played a crucial role in shaping literature and culture during significant historical movements, particularly in response to traditional beliefs and the rise of scientific thought.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms. It aims to provoke thought and encourage change by highlighting the absurdities and flaws in human behavior and societal practices.
Tartuffe: Tartuffe is a comedic play by Molière that critiques religious hypocrisy through the character of Tartuffe, a conman posing as a pious man. This work exemplifies the ideals of French classicism by blending humor with moral lessons, showcasing the tension between appearance and reality, which was a central concern of the period. Molière uses Tartuffe to challenge societal norms and expose the dangers of blind faith and gullibility.
The Age of Enlightenment: The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This period encouraged the exploration of human rights, scientific reasoning, and artistic expression, which paved the way for developments in literature, philosophy, and culture. The movement significantly influenced the works of playwrights and authors, reflecting the ideals of rational thought and moral clarity in their narratives.
The French court: The French court refers to the royal palace and its surrounding environment in which the king and nobility resided, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV. It was a center of political power, culture, and art, significantly influencing the development of French classicism and the works of playwrights like Molière, Racine, and Corneille.
The misanthrope: The misanthrope is a character archetype who exhibits disdain or distrust toward humanity as a whole, often due to perceived moral or social failures. This term is closely tied to themes of isolation and social criticism, where the misanthrope reflects on the flaws of society and human nature. In literature, this figure often serves as a vehicle for satirical commentary on societal norms and human behavior.
Tragédie: Tragédie is a dramatic genre that presents serious and often somber themes, typically involving the downfall of a noble hero due to a tragic flaw or fate. This genre was prominent during the era of French classicism, reflecting the ideals of order, clarity, and restraint in both structure and character development. The works of notable playwrights from this period often employed elevated language, formal plots, and moral lessons.
Tragedy: Tragedy is a dramatic genre that portrays serious and often somber themes, typically involving a protagonist who faces significant challenges leading to their downfall. It explores human suffering and moral dilemmas, emphasizing the complexities of fate, free will, and the human condition. In both ancient and modern contexts, tragedy serves to evoke catharsis in the audience, allowing them to experience profound emotions through the characters' struggles.
Tragic Hero: A tragic hero is a character, often of noble stature, who experiences a downfall due to a fatal flaw or error in judgment, leading to their ultimate destruction. This concept emphasizes the human experience of suffering and moral dilemmas, showcasing how even the noblest individuals can fall from grace. The tragic hero often evokes pity and fear in the audience as they confront their fate, making their journey relatable and poignant.
Unities of action, time, and place: The unities of action, time, and place are principles derived from classical dramatic theory that dictate how a play should be structured. These unities suggest that a play should have a single main action (unity of action), take place within a 24-hour period (unity of time), and occur in a single location (unity of place). These concepts were highly influential in French classicism, shaping the works of playwrights who aimed to create order and clarity in their narratives.