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Corneille ‘Le Cid’ by W.D. Howarth
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Introduction Theatrical season: 1636-37 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.
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‘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
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Historical Context Cont. Richelieu Académie Française Compagnie des cinq auteurs
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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)
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Works Cited Howarth, W.D. Corneille: Le Cid. London: Grant and Cutler LTD, 1988. Print.
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