Phaedra

Racine, Jean (1639–1699), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

Phèdre (initially titled Phèdre et Hippolyte) is a five-act tragedy in verse by Jean Racine, first performed in Paris on 1 January 1677. Composed of 1,654 alexandrine lines, the drama draws from Greek mythology, revolving around the forbidden love of Phèdre for her stepson, Hippolyte. Acclaimed as one of Racine’s masterworks, the play has profoundly impacted both literature and the arts, with notable references in Marcel Proust’s writings. Marking his last secular piece prior to a 12-year break, Racine’s Phèdre was influenced mainly by the Greek poet Euripides (484-406 BC).

The premiere faced immediate competition from Nicolas Pradon’s play of the same name, staged shortly afterwards at the Théâtre de l’Hotel Guénégaud. However, Racine’s profound portrayal of tragedy, with its intricate characterisations and poetic rhythm, rapidly overshadowed Pradon’s . The play’s resonance throughout the ages has confirmed Racine’s Phèdre as a cornerstone of French dramatic literature.

Author Details

Jean Racine, born on 22 December 1639 in La Ferté-Milon, Picardy, France, emerged as a leading 17th-century French dramatist. He was a contemporary of Molière and Corneille. Orphaned early, he was raised by his grandparents, later moving to the Port-Royal convent with his grandmother. There, he received a classical education, profoundly influenced by Jansenism. Although initially expected to study law, Racine's interest in poetry and theatre led him to Paris's artistic circles.

Racine's theatrical career commenced with "La Thébaïde" in 1664, followed by "Alexandre le Grand" in 1665, both produced by Molière's theatrical troupe. Controversially, he then severed ties with Molière and joined the troupe of the Hôtel de Bourgogne.

His tragedies, renowned for their alexandrine verse and psychological depth, often sparked debate. Racine faced competition from contemporaries such as the Corneille brothers, and other rival dramatists producing plays on similar themes. Despite his success, Racine was forced to withdraw from the theatre in 1679 following a combination of court politics and scandal, afterwards focusing on his role as historian for the royal court of King Louis XIV.

Racine married Catherine de Romanet, with whom he had two sons and five daughters. His eventual return to theatre, at the request of Madame de Maintenon, resulted in productions of "Esther" (1689) and "Athalie" (1691), performed at the Maison royale de Saint-Louis. He was a prominent member of the Académie française and held several royal appointments, including the honorary title of "treasurer of France".

Racine died on 21 April 1699 from liver cancer. He was initially buried in Port-Royal, but following the razing of Port-Royal by Louis XIV his remains were later moved to the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris.

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Kline, A. S.

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