Jean-Baptiste Racine stands as a towering figure in 17th-century French drama, celebrated for his profound psychological insight and the stark intensity of his narratives. His dramaturgy is characterized by a focus on prevailing passions and a stripped-down approach to both plot and stagecraft. While primarily known for his tragedies, his exploration of classical themes, particularly from Greek and Roman mythology, reveals a unique engagement with enduring human conflicts. Racine's work offers a powerful and enduring examination of the human condition through the lens of classical forms.
The book features English verse translations of Racine's acclaimed plays, including Andromaque, Britannicus, Phedre, and Athalie. Accompanying these translations are insightful introductions and notes by Mr. Lockert, which enhance the reader's comprehension of the themes and nuances within Racine's masterpieces.
Focusing on the dramatic works of 17th-century playwright Jean Racine, this collection showcases his mastery of the alexandrine poetic line, celebrated for its harmony and elegance. Spanning from 1664 to 1691, Racine's plays, influenced by historical events, mythology, and the Bible, reflect his literary genius. Translated by Robert Bruce Boswell, this volume includes notable works such as "Andromache," "Phaedra," and "Esther," highlighting Racine's significant contribution to French literature and his enduring impact on drama.
Includes the 'greatest hits' of French classical theatre, in English translations. This volume includes these plays - Cinna, The Misanthrope, Andromache and Phaedra - span only thirty-seven years, but make up the defining period of French theatre.
"Acclaimed by Voltaire as "the masterpiece of the human mind," Racine's 17th-century drama is based on Euripides' tragedy Hippolytus. The French playwright employs powerful language that brings new life to the ancient mythological tale of a queen whose incestuous passion for her stepson ignites an emotional firestorm of guilt, shame, and jealousy that consumes many lives. Translation by Wallace Fowlie"-- Provided by publisher
Reproduction of the original: Athaliah by Racine
Set in ancient Greece, the play centers on Andromaque, the widow of Hector, as she battles to safeguard her son from Pyrrhus, Achilles' son, who seeks revenge. It delves into profound themes of love, duty, honor, and the aftermath of war. This 1899 edition presents the play in its original French, accompanied by an introduction and commentary to enhance understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Ideal for students of French literature and theater, it serves as a valuable resource for those exploring Racine's works.
The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by providing an affordable, high-quality edition that remains true to the original text.
Depicts a princess' absolute submission to her father's will. This title shows a woman's struggle to overcome her overwhelming passion for her stepson - an obsession that brings destruction to a noble family. It portrays a ruthless pagan queen, who defies Jehovah in her desperate attempt to keep the throne of Jerusalem from its legitimate heir.
Jean Racine (1639-99) remains to this day the greatest of French poetic dramatists. Britannicus (1669), the first play in this volume, takes its themes from Roman history: the setting is bloody and treacherous court of the Emperor Nero. Phaedra (1677) dramatizes the Greek myth of Phaedra's doomed love for her stepson Hippolytus. Athaliah (1691), Racine's last and perhaps finest play, draws on the Old Testament story of Athaliah, Queen of Judah and worshipper of Baal, who is threatened and finally forced to concede victory to Joash, a son of the house of David and survivor of Athaliah's massacres.