Racine: Phèdre

This introductory study presents Racine’s Phèdre as the culmination of French classical tragedy. It situates the play in its historical, literary and theatrical context, shows its thematic relationship with other tragedies of Racine, and sketches its influence on later writers in a variety of European languages and its place in the evolution of European sensibility. The structures and the language of the play are closely analysed, and the major characters are studied in action. Full weight is given to the ancient classical background and to the mythological content of the play. A chronological table provides an overview of Racine’s life and times, and there is a guide to further reading.

• An accessible introduction to the greatest French classical tragedy, suitable for non-specialists and beginning students • Methodical presentation of historical, literary and theatrical context and background, including chronological table for quick reference • Wide-ranging account of the play’s influence on later European writing, and guide to further reading

Chronological table; 1. The context of Phèdre; 2. Phèdre, the play; 3. The posterity of Phèdre; Further reading.