Classical Unities and Alexandrine Verse
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Questions and Answers

What are the Classical Unities based on?

Aristotle's Poetics

What are the three unities?

  • Unity of time (correct)
  • Unity of characters
  • Unity of action (correct)
  • Unity of place (correct)
  • What is the definition of unity of time?

    Between sunset and sunrise

    What is the definition of unity of place?

    <p>Entire action in one locus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of unity of action?

    <p>Subplots and the dramatic treatment of more than one situation were avoided</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Alexandrine verse?

    <p>Line of 12 syllables with major stress on the sixth syllable and the last syllable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Le Roman d'Alexandre?

    <p>First book in Alexandrine verse revived during the 16th century by La Pleiade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Jean Racine?

    <p>Master of French classical tragedy and of French classicism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was Ronsard elected to the Academie Francaise?

    <p>1672</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List one of Racine's works.

    <p>Andromaque, Britannicus, Berenice, or Phedre</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Phedre?

    <p>Daughter of Minos and Pasiphae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Phedre's husband?

    <p>Theseus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Hippolyte?

    <p>Son of Antiope and Theseus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Oenone?

    <p>Nurse and confidante of Phedre</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Aricie?

    <p>Princess of royal blood of Athens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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    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.

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