Andromaque

Definition

Andromaque is a classical tragedy written by the French playwright Racine, based on the character of Andromache from Greek mythology, particularly in the context of the Trojan War. The play explores themes of love, jealousy, and revenge, highlighting Andromache's emotional struggles after the loss of her husband Hector and her entanglement with her captor Pyrrhus and her love for her son Astyanax. The work represents a significant moment in the evolution of tragedy, influenced by both Greek origins and contemporary French dramatic forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Andromaque premiered in 1667 and is one of Racine's most famous works, showcasing his mastery of dramatic structure and emotional depth.
2. The play reflects the influence of Greek tragedy while also aligning with the neoclassical ideals prevalent in 17th-century France.
3. Andromaque deals with complex emotional states and moral dilemmas, particularly focusing on themes of loyalty and the consequences of revenge.
4. Racine's portrayal of female characters, especially Andromache, is significant as it offers a nuanced view of women's emotions and agency in a male-dominated society.
5. The play remains a staple in French literature and theatre, often studied for its language, structure, and profound exploration of human emotion.

Review Questions

• How does Racine's portrayal of Andromache reflect the themes of love and loss present in Greek tragedy?
  • Racine's portrayal of Andromache captures her deep emotional turmoil following the death of Hector, highlighting her grief and unwavering loyalty to him. This emotional struggle mirrors the themes found in Greek tragedy, where characters often face overwhelming circumstances shaped by love and loss. The tension between her past love for Hector and her present situation with Pyrrhus serves to emphasize the tragic nature of her existence.
• Analyze how Andromaque's character exemplifies the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in Racine's plays.
  • Andromache embodies profound moral dilemmas as she navigates her loyalty to her deceased husband Hector while dealing with the advances of Pyrrhus. Her internal conflict showcases Racine's exploration of duty versus desire, illustrating how personal emotions can clash with societal expectations. This complexity adds depth to her character and highlights the broader themes of sacrifice and betrayal that are central to Racine's works.
• Evaluate the significance of Andromaque within the context of both Greek tragedy and the development of French neoclassical theatre.
  • Andromaque plays a crucial role in bridging Greek tragedy and French neoclassical theatre by demonstrating how classical themes can be reinterpreted in a contemporary context. Racine maintains the tragic essence rooted in fate and emotional struggle while adhering to neoclassical ideals such as unity of time and place. This synthesis not only enriches the genre but also influences future playwrights by establishing emotional depth as a critical element in tragedy.

Related terms

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that portrays serious and often somber themes, typically involving a noble character's downfall due to fate, moral weakness, or tragic flaws.

Greek Mythology: The body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods, heroes, and the nature of the world.

Racine: A prominent French dramatist of the 17th century known for his classical tragedies that emphasize psychological depth and emotional conflict.