Pierre Corneille
The founder of French classical tragedy, Corneille established the neoclassical unities as the framework for serious drama. Le Cid sparked the most famous literary quarrel in French history. His heroes face impossible conflicts between love and duty, creating what he called la gloire.
Works
- Le CidFrench tragedy of honor and love between a warrior and lady
- HoraceFrench tragedy of duty conflict when family patriotism demands death
- CinnaFrench tragedy of mercy, ambition, and political conspiracy foiled
- PolyeucteFrench tragedy of a Christian martyr torn between faith and love
- RodoguneFrench tragedy of rival queens, succession disputes, and bloodshed
- NicomèdeFrench tragedy of a prince defying his father and court expectations