Jean Racine

Definition

Jean Racine was a prominent French playwright of the 17th century, known for his mastery of tragedy and his significant contributions to Neoclassical drama. His works are characterized by emotional intensity, poetic language, and adherence to the principles of unity in time, place, and action, which were central to the Neoclassical movement. Racine's plays often explore themes of love, fate, and moral conflict, reflecting the complexities of human emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Racine was born in 1639 and became one of the three great playwrights of French classicism, alongside Molière and Corneille.
2. His works are known for their tight structure and focus on a few characters, adhering to the unities of time, place, and action.
3. Racine's writing style is marked by the use of alexandrine verse, which consists of twelve-syllable lines that contribute to the lyrical quality of his plays.
4. He often drew inspiration from classical mythology and history, infusing his tragedies with psychological depth and moral complexity.
5. Racine's plays had a profound influence on French theatre and drama, paving the way for future generations of playwrights in Europe.

Review Questions

• How did Jean Racine's approach to tragedy reflect the principles of Neoclassicism?
  • Jean Racine's approach to tragedy closely aligned with the principles of Neoclassicism by emphasizing structure, clarity, and emotional intensity within his works. He adhered to the unities of time, place, and action, ensuring that his plays unfolded within a single timeframe and setting while focusing on a limited number of characters. This discipline in form allowed Racine to explore complex human emotions and moral dilemmas effectively, making his tragedies resonate deeply with audiences.
• In what ways did Racine's play 'Phèdre' exemplify the characteristics of his tragic writing style?
  • 'Phèdre' exemplifies Racine's tragic writing style through its exploration of intense emotional conflict and its use of poetic language. The play delves into themes of forbidden love and personal tragedy as Phèdre grapples with her feelings for Hippolytus while facing societal constraints. Racine’s choice of language elevates the emotional stakes of the narrative, illustrating his ability to blend lyrical beauty with dramatic tension.
• Evaluate the impact of Jean Racine's works on the evolution of French drama and how they influenced later playwrights.
  • Jean Racine's works significantly impacted the evolution of French drama by establishing a model for tragic writing that combined emotional depth with rigorous adherence to Neoclassical ideals. His focus on character psychology and moral conflict set a new standard for storytelling in theatre. Later playwrights such as Victor Hugo and Alfred de Musset drew inspiration from Racine’s mastery of language and structure, helping to bridge classical traditions with Romanticism in the 19th century.

Related terms

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 17th century, emphasizing clarity, order, and adherence to classical ideals in literature and art.

Tragedy: A genre of drama that presents serious themes and conflicts, often leading to a catastrophic outcome for the protagonist.

Phèdre: One of Racine's most famous tragedies, based on the mythological story of Phaedra, which explores themes of forbidden love and despair.