Bérénice

Name: Bérénice
Author: Jean Racine

by Jean Racine

Tragedy of passion where widow sacrifices love to maternal duty and decorum

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About the author

Jean Racine

France's supreme tragedian, Racine distilled classical drama to its essence in plays of psychological intensity and perfect Alexandrine verse. His heroines in particular—Phèdre, Bérénice, Andromaque—are among the most compelling in all theater. He retired at 37 and returned to playwriting only once.

More by Jean Racine

AndromaqueClassical tragedy depicting captive princess caught between love and duty to homeland
BritannicusPolitical tragedy exploring ambition and conspiracy at Roman imperial court
BereniceTragedy of passion where widow sacrifices love to maternal duty and decorum
PhedreTragedy of passion where queen's illicit love leads to madness and ruin
AthalieBiblical tragedy depicting Jewish queen Athaliah's defeat by rightful king
PhèdreTragedy of passion where queen's illicit love leads to madness and ruin