Corneille ‘Le Cid’ by W.D. Howarth

Introduction Theatrical season: The first major example of a French classical tragedy. Published in 1637 as a ‘tragicomédie.’ Corneille vs. Critics Created in conditions of vigorous competition. Classification change in 1648 The more generally available version.

‘le milieu’ and ‘le moment’ Parlement de Paris (1548) Publication of Du Bellay’s Défense et illustration de la langue française Result: French classical tragedy Five acts Alexandrin couplets

Historical Context Cont. Richelieu Académie Française Compagnie des cinq auteurs

Corneille as a Playwright 8 pieces prior to ‘Le Cid’ Clitandre: vintage baroque tragicomedy 5 comedies: experimentation with place and time Médée: regular tragedy L’Illusion comique: “Masterpiece of baroque theatricality.”

Theatrical Qualities Hinge between multiple set (décor simultané) and single perspective set. Single perspective allows for unity of place. Hôtel de Bourgogne Le théâtre du Marais Written for a compartmented stage. Lack of textual direction. Demise of multiple set.

Distinguishing Tragicomedy from Tragedy 5 distinctions Drama libre: structure that dramatizes without sense of unity, only interest. Events treated as serious, secular, non-historic, and Romanesque. Denouement is happy. Leading characters are aristocratic. Addition of comic passages, but not required.

Querelle du Cid Argument over norm of dramatic practice. Did not respect ‘unity of time’ 24 hour time frame One setting Plot with a single conflict Scudéry: Observations sur le cid (1637) Horace (1640)

Works Cited Howarth, W.D. Corneille: Le Cid. London: Grant and Cutler LTD, Print.