Classical Unities and Alexandrine Verse

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Study Notes

Classical Unities

Originated from Aristotle's Poetics, focusing on the essence of tragedy.
Central to the structure of classical drama, emphasizing coherence in storytelling.

The Three Unities

Unity of Time: Action occurs within a single day, specifically from sunset to sunrise.
Unity of Place: The entire narrative unfolds in one location or setting.
Unity of Action: Avoidance of subplots; the story follows one primary situation without distractions.

Alexandrine Verse

Characterized by 12 syllables per line, with significant stresses on the sixth and final syllables.
Key structure underpinning French classical poetry and drama.

Le Roman d'Alexandre

First significant work in Alexandrine verse from the 12th century.
Revived in the 16th century by La Pleiade, particularly through the works of Ronsard, reaching its peak in the 17th century.

Jean Racine

Renowned as a master of French classical tragedy, prominent in the 17th century.
His plays exhibit a blend of rigor and simplicity, rich in descriptive detail, often drawing from Greek and Roman themes.

Ronsard's Contribution

Elected to the Académie Française in 1672, a notable honor reflecting his influence on French literature.

Racine's Major Works

Andromaque (1667): A tale of love and betrayal.
Britannicus (1669): Political intrigue and family drama.
Berenice (1670): Explores themes of love and sacrifice.
Phedre (1677): A tragic narrative about forbidden love and fate.

Phedre's Character Relationships

Phedre: The protagonist, daughter of King Minos and Pasiphae, struggles with her forbidden love.
Theseus: Phedre's husband, a heroic figure from Greek mythology.
Hippolyte: Son of Theseus and queen Antiope, caught in the tragic web of his mother's desires.
Oenone: Phedre's nurse and confidante, serves as a critical support character.
Aricie: A princess of royal Athenian blood, involved in the dramatic conflict.

Description

Explore the fundamental principles of classical drama with a focus on the classical unities of time, place, and action. Additionally, delve into the structure of Alexandrine verse, its historical significance, and the contributions of Jean Racine to French classical tragedy. This quiz covers essential aspects of narrative coherence in storytelling.