Cinna The Misanthrope Andromache Phaedra: A Trio of Masterpieces by Jean Racine | Penguin Classics

Four French Plays: Cinna, The Misanthrope, Andromache, Phaedra (Penguin Classics)

by Jean Racine

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages
Paperback	:	250 pages
Item Weight	:	15.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.57 x 9 inches

FREE

Jean Racine was one of the greatest playwrights of the French classical era. His plays are known for their wit, passion, and insight into the human condition. Cinna, The Misanthrope, and Andromache are three of Racine's most famous and acclaimed plays. They are now available in a single volume from Penguin Classics, translated by Richard Wilbur.

Cinna

Cinna is a political drama set in ancient Rome. The play tells the story of Cinna, a young man who conspires to assassinate the emperor Augustus. Cinna is motivated by a desire for revenge, as Augustus had ordered the execution of his father. However, Cinna's plans are thwarted when he is betrayed by his friend, Maximus. Cinna is arrested and sentenced to death. However, Augustus shows mercy and spares Cinna's life. Cinna is so moved by Augustus's act of clemency that he renounces his desire for revenge and becomes a loyal supporter of the emperor.

The Misanthrope

The Misanthrope is a comedy of manners set in 17th-century Paris. The play tells the story of Alceste, a man who is disgusted by the hypocrisy and corruption of society. Alceste is a misanthrope, a person who hates humanity. He is constantly criticizing the people around him and refuses to compromise his principles. Alceste's misanthropy leads him into a series of conflicts with his friends and family. However, Alceste eventually learns that even he is not immune to the allure of love. He falls in love with Célimène, a beautiful and witty woman who embodies all of the qualities that Alceste despises. Alceste is torn between his love for Célimène and his hatred of society. In the end, Alceste decides to reject Célimène and live out his days in solitude.

Andromache

Andromache is a tragedy set in ancient Greece. The play tells the story of Andromache, the widow of the Trojan hero Hector. After the fall of Troy, Andromache is taken as a slave by the Greek king Pyrrhus. Pyrrhus falls in love with Andromache and offers to marry her. However, Andromache is still mourning the death of Hector and refuses Pyrrhus's proposal. Pyrrhus is enraged by Andromache's rejection and vows to kill her son, Astyanax. Andromache is forced to make a difficult choice: she must either sacrifice her son's life or marry Pyrrhus. Andromache chooses to sacrifice her son's life in order to protect him from Pyrrhus's wrath. Pyrrhus is so moved by Andromache's act of selflessness that he spares her son's life. Andromache is eventually reunited with her son and they live out their days in peace.

Phaedra

Phaedra is a tragedy set in ancient Greece. The play tells the story of Phaedra, the wife of the Greek king Theseus. Phaedra falls in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. Phaedra's love for Hippolytus is forbidden and she knows that it will lead to her own destruction. However, Phaedra is unable to control her passion and she eventually confesses her love to Hippolytus. Hippolytus is horrified by Phaedra's advances and rejects her. Phaedra is so consumed by her love for Hippolytus that she accuses him of raping her. Theseus believes Phaedra's lies and banishes Hippolytus from Athens. Hippolytus is killed in a tragic accident and Phaedra, consumed by guilt and remorse, takes her own life.

Cinna, The Misanthrope, Andromache, and Phaedra are four of the greatest plays ever written. They are filled with wit, passion, and insight into the human condition. This new translation by Richard Wilbur brings these classic plays to life for a new generation of readers.

Four French Plays: Cinna, The Misanthrope, Andromache, Phaedra (Penguin Classics)

by Jean Racine

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1406 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages
Paperback	:	250 pages
Item Weight	:	15.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.57 x 9 inches

FREE