Andromaque

Definition

Andromaque is a tragedy written by Jean Racine in 1667, based on the character from Greek mythology and the events following the Trojan War. The play exemplifies the key elements of French neoclassical tragedy, including the unities of time, place, and action, while showcasing Racine's mastery of psychological depth and emotional intensity in his characters.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The character Andromaque is the widow of Hector, who struggles with love and loyalty amidst the backdrop of vengeance and desire.
2. Racine's play explores themes of unrequited love, jealousy, and moral conflict, reflecting the intense emotional struggles of its characters.
3. The play adheres to the neoclassical unities, taking place within a single location and unfolding over a short period of time.
4. Andromaque features strong female characters, particularly Andromaque herself and Hermione, showcasing their complex motivations and emotional depth.
5. Racine's use of poetic language elevates the emotional stakes of the narrative, making Andromaque a significant work in French literature and drama.

Review Questions

• How does Andromaque exemplify the principles of neoclassical tragedy as established by Racine?
  • Andromaque embodies the principles of neoclassical tragedy through its adherence to the unities of time, place, and action. The entire play takes place in a single location within a compressed timeframe, enhancing the sense of urgency and emotional intensity. Racine's careful structuring of the plot around a central conflict showcases his mastery in creating a cohesive narrative that reflects the moral dilemmas faced by his characters.
• Discuss how Racine's characterization in Andromaque contributes to the themes of love and jealousy.
  • In Andromaque, Racine develops rich characterizations that highlight the themes of love and jealousy through complex relationships. Andromaque’s loyalty to Hector contrasts sharply with Hermione's desire for revenge against her unrequited love for Pyrrhus. This interplay creates a dramatic tension that drives the narrative forward, revealing how love can lead to destructive jealousy and moral conflict among the characters.
• Evaluate the impact of Andromaque on French neoclassical theatre and its lasting significance in literature.
  • Andromaque had a profound impact on French neoclassical theatre by establishing Jean Racine as a leading playwright who elevated the genre through psychological complexity and emotional depth. The play set a standard for future works by demonstrating how tragedy could effectively explore human emotions while adhering to classical structure. Its lasting significance lies in its exploration of timeless themes like love and loyalty, influencing generations of playwrights and continuing to resonate with audiences today.

Related terms

Jean Racine:

A prominent French playwright of the 17th century, known for his tragedies that adhere to neoclassical principles and focus on complex characters driven by intense emotions.

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

Tragic Hero: A central character in a tragedy who is often noble and flawed, facing a significant conflict that leads to their eventual downfall.