French Classicism and Enlightenment Literature: Rationalism to Neoclassicism

Classical and Enlightenment Literature

In the 17th century, while Spain was navigating a deep social, political, and economic crisis, France, under the reign of Louis XIV (the Sun King), reached its moment of maximum splendor. This literary era is characterized by rationalism and classicism.

Characteristics of Classicism

• The Cult of Reason: This movement valued reason and good taste, rejecting the fantastic and repressing the overt expression of feeling.
• A Sense of Utility: Literature was pursued for its educational and moral purpose.
• Aristocratic and Refined Character: Art was cultivated within the noble halls and the royal court.

The Age of Enlightenment

During the 18th century, known in France as the Age of Enlightenment, writers, thinkers, and scientists began to question traditional politics, science, religion, and customs. They defended completely revolutionary new ideas, such as tolerance and equality. The thought of the Enlightenment would decisively influence the French Revolution and the subsequent course of humanity.

French classicism and the ideas of the Enlightenment extended throughout all European countries during the 18th century under the generic name: Neoclassicism.

Theater in the Classical Period

The French Classical Drama

In 17th-century France, theater was affected by the same desire for plausibility and rationality as other literary genres. This led to the need for works to be subject to the rule of three units:

• Unit of Action: A single plot, adjusted to reality.
• Unit of Place: A single stage with simple scenery.
• Unit of Time: The action cannot last more than one day.

Additionally, tragedy was to be separated from comedy, and plays were expected to pursue a moral purpose and observe political decorum. French playwrights had many obstacles to overcome to achieve their genius.

Tragedy: Corneille and Racine

Pierre Corneille

A connoisseur of classical theater, Pierre Corneille adapted many themes from the Roman era, increasing the dramatic burden and the strength of his characters. His work El Cid was inspired by a comedy from Guillén de Castro, a Spanish playwright and follower of Lope de Vega.

Jean Racine

An exquisite connoisseur of the human mind, Jean Racine refined Corneille's tragedies. He simplified the plots and focused on strictly psychological problems. His tragedies are often inspired by Greek themes, such as his famous work Phèdre.

Comedy: Molière

Molière, the pseudonym of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, is the creator of French comedy. After traveling through France, he settled in Paris where he enjoyed royal protection, though he had to deal with many enemies. Molière's comedies are not focused on intrigue, but on characters. The protagonist often embodies a single defect to the maximum degree. His major works include The Miser, The Misanthrope, and The Imaginary Invalid.

Italian Theater: Carlo Goldoni

A passion for theater also led Carlo Goldoni of Venice to join a comedy company. Goldoni is credited with reviving Italian theater, which had stagnated with the pantomime shows of the commedia dell'arte. A key work of his is The Mistress of the Inn.

Poetry: Jean de La Fontaine

Jean de La Fontaine was a prominent poet of this period, best known for his Fables.