The Cid

Name: The Cid
Author: Pierre Corneille

By Pierre Corneille

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About This Book

A dramatic tragedy centers on the clash between personal passion and public honor after a man kills the father of the woman he loves, prompting her to demand justice despite continued affection. Over five acts, legal pleas, private confrontations, and combats probe competing duties to love, family, and sovereign authority while intermediaries and rivals shape the course of revenge. The narrative examines how honor codes govern behavior, compel difficult choices, and produce unintended political consequences. By staging trials of arms and conscience, the work follows characters as they negotiate vengeance, mercy, and the limits of personal desire within a rigid social order.

About the Author

Pierre Corneille

Pierre Corneille (1606-1684) was a prominent French playwright and a key figure in the development of French classical tragedy. He is best known for his play "Le Cid," which sparked significant debate over the nature of dramatic art and morality in the 17th century. Corneille's works often explore themes of honor, duty, and the complexities of human emotion, making him a central figure in the literary heritage of France. His other notable works include "Polyeucte" and "L'occasion perdue recouverte." Corneille's influence extends beyond his lifetime, as he laid the groundwork for future generations of playwrights.