Historical Context
Who was the 16th century French religious war between?
Catholics vs. Protistans
Who did Catherine de Medici marry in the French royal family? How many children did they have?
Henri II, three sons.
Who is a French dramatist who used structured drama, did not follow neoclassical ideals (did use a five act system), and used episodic form?
Alexandre Hardy.
Describe decorum.
Decorum must be didactic (intend to teach), character behavior may also be appropriate and set.
What job did he quit in order to pursue theatre?
He worked caring for the King's furniture.
Which ruler converted from Protestant to Catholic?
Who was the primary influence during Louis XIII's reign?
Cardinal Richelieu
Name a piece we read for class by Jean Racine, who was his rival?
Phaedra. Pierre Corneille.
Describe Verisimilitude.
True to life.
What was Moliere's real name?
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
What did the Edict of Nantes do?
Helped create equality for Non-Catholics (Protestants/Huguenots).
Who was the primary influence during Louis XIV's reign?
Cardinal Mazarin.
What is Pierre Corneille's most controversial play? Why? Where did it premiere?
The Cid, primarily because of it's social commentary/comedy on religion and the French Bourgeoisie. It premiered at the Theatre Du Marais.
What can not mix as a neoclassical ideal?
Genres cannot mix!
What was Moliere's impact?
He expanded the neoclassical format, used timeless themes, wrote as an actor for actors, created social commentary, and critiqued the present moment of France.
What helped France stabilize following its unrest/religious wars?
Which Cardinal, and which Louis die and which subsequently take over?
Following Richelieu's and Louis XIII's deaths, Louis XIV comes into power under the influence of Cardinal Mazarin.
Who was the primary player/founder of Theatre Du Marais, who was his successor and when did the theatre open?
Montdory was the primary founder/player, his first successor was Floridor. The theatre was established in 1634.
What are the three unities? Describe the rules they imply.
Time- Has to be in one rotation of the sun (24 hours).
Action- Has to revolve around one center plot.
Place- Has to be set in one location.
What was the name of Moliere's theatre where he assumed his stage name?
Illustre Theatre.
What ages were Louis XIII and Louis XIV when they were in rule?
Louis XIII was nine years old, Louis XIV was five years old.
Why did the Renaissance arrive late in France?
The Protestant vs. Catholic religious wars, Henry IV's conversion to Catholicism, and the rules of Louis XIII and XIV.
What establishment did Richelieu support and encourage when he wanted to create a standard for French theatre? How many writers were there? Does it still exist today?
The Academy. 40 Writers. Yes.
Name one play that follows the neoclassical ideals and one that does not.
Follows- Tartuffe by Moliere
Does not- The work of Alexandre Hardy
*Answers can vary
Describe the work done at the Illustre Theatre.
Actors gained control of their employment, profits and works. Performed works that were similar to Commedia dell'Arte (Specifically Lazzi).