Pierre Corneille and the Birth of Tragedy

This book explores the life, works, and enduring legacy of Pierre Corneille, one of the founding figures of French classical tragedy. It traces Corneille's contributions to the development of the tragic form, examining his major plays—Le Cid, Horace, Polyeucte, Cinna, and others—through deep historical, philosophical, and literary analysis. The narrative situates Corneille within the intellectual climate of 17th-century France, exploring his engagement with the classical tradition, the rise of absolutism under Louis XIII, and the religious and political struggles that shaped his work. Corneille's tragic heroes, often torn between competing moral duties and personal desires, are analyzed in the context of his exploration of honor, duty, love, sacrifice, and individual agency. The book also investigates the intellectual tensions of the time, particularly the shift from the heroic ideals of Corneille's tragedies to the psychological complexity and emotional depth favored by Enlightenment thinkers. Through a detailed study of Corneille's influence on his contemporaries, as well as on the playwrights of the 18th century like Jean Racine, this book demonstrates how Corneille's exploration of moral dilemmas, individualism, and sacrifice continues to resonate with audiences and readers. His legacy, shaped by both admiration and critique, remains a cornerstone of Western dramatic tradition.