Main / Authors

Jean Racine - Biography

Racine (Jean Racine) was born on December 22, 1639 in La Ferte-Milon, France, and became one of the most famous and influential French playwrights of the 17th century. His works, including masterpieces such as "Phaedra," "Andromache" and "Phaedre," are considered the pinnacle of classical French tragedy.

Jean was born to Protestant parents and was baptized in a Protestant church. In his youth, he received a good education and studied at Port Royal College, where he was introduced into the world of ancient literature and classical tragedies. This education deeply influenced his future creativity.

A dramatic career began with the writing of the comedy "The Art of Being Smart" ("L'Art d'être amoureux") in 1660. However, his real success came when he began writing tragedies. His first great work was the tragedy of Andromache, staged in 1667. It was the start of his great dramatic career.

Jean was a representative of classicism, a literary trend that emphasized the rigor of form, the observance of the rules and the elevation of style. His tragedies were distinguished by a clear structure, balanced dialogues and expressive monologues. He aspired to the ideal of classical tragedy based on the works of ancient authors such as Sophocles and Euripides.

Jean's most famous tragedies include Phaedra (1677), Andromache (1667), Britannica (1669), Berenice (1670) and Hippolytus (1677). These works explored themes of passion, power, betrayal, and moral dilemma. His tragedies were successful and popular in the royal court and aristocratic circles.

Racine was a court playwright under King Louis XIV and enjoyed his patronage. However, his work did not always correspond to the royal tastes and morality standards of that time. For example, the tragedy "Phaedra," describing Queen Phaedra's forbidden passion for her stepson Hippolytus, caused mixed feelings among the king and church authorities.