Showing results for "Jean Racine" in Literary History & Criticism

Racine caused furour in the French theater community with his second play, Alexander the Great, when "The sensitive poet seems to have been disgusted by the manner in which it was being acted; for, a fortnight after it had been put on the boards at the Palais Royal [by Moliere], Moliere's company learned with astonishment and indignation that it was being simultaneously performed at a rival theatre." "The story of this drama is derived from Quintus Curtius, Plutarch, and Justin." Racine followed the rules of classical French dramatists: one main plot, action takes place in one day and at one ...

Summary of Andromache by Jean Racine:Andromache is a French tragedy set in the aftermath of the Trojan War. The story revolves around four main characters: Andromache, the widow of Hector;Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles; Hermione, the daughter of Helen of Troy; and Orestes, the son of Agamemnon.Pyrrhus holds Andromache and her son Astyanax as captives. Though betrothed to Hermione, Pyrrhus falls in love with Andromache and offers to spare her son if she marries him. Andromache, torn between her loyalty to her deceased husband and her desire to protect her son, eventually agrees.Hermione, in love ...

Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in history, Bajazet explores the intense drama surrounding the capture of Babylon by Sultan Amurath IV, a mere year before the poet Racines birth in 1638. This tragedy weaves a tale of power, ambition, and the complexities of love, showcasing the struggles of its characters as they navigate a world of political intrigue and personal conflict. Join us as we delve into this captivating narrative brought to life by a talented cast.