Pierre Coneille Quotes

A collection of quotes by Pierre Coneille.

Pierre Corneille was a prominent 17th-century French playwright, regarded as one of the greatest masters of French classical tragedy. He was born on June 6, 1606, in Rouen, France, and displayed an early aptitude for writing and literature. Corneille initially pursued a career in law but soon found his true passion in dramatic writing.

His debut play, "Mélite," was performed in 1629 and marked the beginning of his illustrious career. Corneille's works, including "Le Cid" (1637), "Horace" (1640), and "Cinna" (1641), revolutionized French theater and established him as a leading figure of the genre. Through his plays, Corneille explored complex themes, such as honor, duty, and conflicts of love.

During his lifetime, Corneille faced both critical acclaim and adversity. His play "Le Cid," although initially praised, also provoked a heated controversy known as the "Querelle du Cid" due to its deviation from the classical rules of dramatic structure. Despite the controversy, Corneille continued to produce numerous successful works throughout his career.

Corneille's impact on French theater was substantial and enduring. His tragedies presented deep psychological insights into the human condition and played a significant role in shaping the concept of French classical drama. Today, Pierre Corneille is regarded as one of the most influential playwrights in French literature and a central figure in the development of European theater. He passed away on October 1, 1684, in Paris, France, leaving behind a rich legacy of dramatic masterpieces.