Pierre Corneille: Biography, Achievements & Lasting Legacy
Who Was Pierre Corneille?
Pierre Corneille ( kor-NAY, French: [pjɛʁ kɔʁnɛj]; 6 June 1606 – 1 October 1684) was a French tragedian. He is generally considered one of the three great 17th-century French dramatists, along with Molière and Racine.
As a young man, he earned the valuable patronage of Cardinal Richelieu, who was trying to promote classical tragedy along formal lines, but later quarrelled with him, especially over his best-known play, Le Cid, about the medieval Spanish warrior, which was denounced by the newly formed Académie française for breaching the unities. He continued to write well-received tragedies for nearly forty years.
Key Facts
- Born: June 6, 1606 in Rouen, Normandy
- Died: 1684
- Field: Literature
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Pierre Corneille extends far beyond his own lifetime. He fundamentally shaped literature and the written word, and his written works and literary innovations remain foundational to this day.
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