Horace - Pierre Corneille

Advantages: none
Disadvantages: slow

...This is a later and more highly stylised theatrical product by Corneille. There are two sets of brothers and sister on opposing sides of a battle and each is in love with a member from the opposite side. Thus the usual Corneillian set up of duty versus passion is set up and seems this time rather feeble in comparison with former versions of the conflict in plays like “The Cid”. It remains nevertheless an interesting and more mature offering by Corneille and is useful when compared with “Horace” his other work from a similar time. I would not recommend it, but it is not that bad, just a little dry.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: valour
Disadvantages: love

...This is the most controversial and the most famous of Corneille’s works. There was an entire quarrel that followed it and its controversial heralding of the classical age. It radiates a youthful exuberance, a sureness of touch and an all-pervading sensuality which made it an overwhelming success. A knight has to murder his fiancee’s father out of honour to his own father, thus the usual paradigm of honour/duty versus love and the heart sets itself up and honour is shown, contrary to the usual Racinian model, to be the key influence. This must be read for anyone interested in the genesis of French neo-classicism.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: funny
Disadvantages: complex when read

...This is a youthful offering from a Corneille still very much chained to the baroque. It is what one would commonly call a tragi-comedy, being both burlesque and touching at times. It is however more poignant for its whimsicality and freshness. It is a bizarre comedy where the Spanish influence that will later become prominent in “The Cid” first becomes dominant in his work. I would read this but it is quite difficult to follow. It is better to see it on the stage and appreciate the play within a play within a play that is the structure of the drama.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful