Jean Racine

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jean Racine was born in 1639 and became one of the most influential playwrights of the French classical tradition, alongside Pierre Corneille.
2. Racine's major works include 'Phèdre', 'Andromaque', and 'Bérénice', which are all celebrated for their psychological complexity and emotional intensity.
3. Unlike Corneille, who often incorporated action and external conflict, Racine focused on internal struggles and character-driven plots that explore deep emotional conflicts.
4. Racine's writing style is known for its poetic language, tight structure, and reliance on classical themes such as love, fate, and moral dilemmas.
5. His plays were often performed at the court of Louis XIV, where they gained immense popularity and solidified Racine's reputation as a master of tragedy.

Review Questions

• How did Jean Racine build upon Pierre Corneille's contributions to French tragedy?
  • Jean Racine took inspiration from Pierre Corneille's works but shifted the focus towards more intimate emotional conflicts rather than grand heroic actions. While Corneille emphasized action and external conflict, Racine delved deeper into the psychological aspects of his characters. This emphasis on internal struggle allowed Racine to refine French tragedy by highlighting the complexities of human emotion and moral dilemmas in a way that resonated with audiences.
• Discuss the ways in which Racine's approach to neoclassical tragedy differs from earlier traditions in drama.
  • Racine's approach to neoclassical tragedy marks a departure from earlier traditions by placing greater emphasis on character psychology over physical action. His plays adhere strictly to classical unities of time, place, and action, creating a focused narrative that heightens emotional impact. Additionally, while earlier tragedies often featured larger-than-life heroes, Racine’s characters are more relatable and flawed, grappling with inner turmoil that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
• Evaluate how Jean Racine's works reflect the cultural values of 17th-century France and their impact on future dramatic literature.
  • Jean Racine's works encapsulate the cultural values of 17th-century France through their exploration of themes like honor, love, and fate within the context of strict societal rules. His adherence to neoclassical ideals not only shaped the trajectory of French theatre but also influenced European drama as a whole. The emotional depth and character-driven plots established by Racine paved the way for later playwrights to explore similar psychological complexities, ensuring his legacy endured in dramatic literature well beyond his time.

Related terms

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that drew inspiration from the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing order, harmony, and adherence to established rules.

Tragedy: A dramatic genre that presents serious and often somber themes, focusing on the downfall of a noble character due to a tragic flaw or fate.

French Classicism: A cultural movement in France during the 17th century that sought to achieve clarity, order, and balance in literature and arts, exemplified by playwrights like Racine and Corneille.