L'imaginaire épique dans les tragédies romaines de Pierre Corneille
L'imaginaire épique dans les tragédies romaines de Pierre Corneille

Summary/Abstract: The truly epic element in the work of young Corneille has hardly been a subject of study until now, even though this component, first used in a grotesque fashion (Matamore in L'illusion Comique) then in a positive one, (from le Cid to Cinna), has been revealed to be essential to the comprehension of his productions. In different ways, Don Rodrigue, Horace, Emilie and Augustus are indeed epic characters, nourished by Corneille's knowledge of antiquity. Similar to the virtually epic figures of Jesuit theatre, these characters are heroic founders of their countries, marked by furor epicus and by their affinity for the sublime. They demonstrate the originality and modernity of the Cornelian tragedy during his time. The truly epic element in the work of young Corneille has hardly been a subject of study until now, even though this component, first used in a grotesque fashion (Matamore in L'illusion Comique) then in a positive one, (from le Cid to Cinna), has been revealed to be essential to the comprehension of his productions. In different ways, Don Rodrigue, Horace, Emilie and Augustus are indeed epic characters, nourished by Corneille's knowledge of antiquity. Similar to the virtually epic figures of Jesuit theatre, these characters are heroic founders of their countries, marked by furor epicus and by their affinity for the sublime. They demonstrate the originality and modernity of the Cornelian tragedy during his time.

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