Pierre Corneille

Date of Birth: June 6, 1606

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: October 1, 1684

Biography

Pierre Corneille was a seminal French dramatist born on June 6, 1606, in Rouen, France. Often regarded as one of the three great seventeenth-century French dramatists alongside Molière and Racine, Corneille is best known for his tragedies that blend classical themes with baroque style. He was initially trained as a lawyer but turned to writing plays in his twenties. His early work, “Mélite,” was a comedy that garnered significant attention and set the stage for his career in theatre. Corneille’s most famous play, “Le Cid,” premiered in 1637 and became a cornerstone of French literature. Despite its success, it sparked significant controversy due to its deviation from classical dramatic rules. This led to a public debate known as the “Querelle du Cid,” which ultimately affirmed his status as a master playwright. Throughout his career, Corneille wrote over 30 plays, including other notable works like “Horace,” “Cinna,” and “Polyeucte.” His themes often revolved around honor, duty, and the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. Corneille’s influence on French drama was profound, and his works continue to be studied and performed today. He was married to Marie de Lampérière, with whom he had six children. Corneille passed away on October 1, 1684, in Paris, France.

5 Interesting Facts about Pierre Corneille

1. Pierre Corneille was known as the “founder of French tragedy.”

2. He was a member of the Académie Française, an institution dedicated to the preservation of the French language.

3. Corneille’s play “Le Cid” was based on a Spanish play by Guillén de Castro.

4. He was initially overshadowed by his contemporaries, Molière and Racine, but his works gained lasting recognition.

5. Corneille’s writing style evolved over time, blending classical restraint with baroque exuberance.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pierre Corneille

1. “To conquer without risk is to triumph without glory.”

2. “I am master of myself, as of the universe I am.”

3. “All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women.”

4. “It is the crime not the scaffold which is the disgrace.”

5. “He who allows himself to be insulted deserves to be.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a 17th-century playwright, accurate records of Corneille’s net worth are not available. However, he was well-compensated for his time and earned a royal pension, indicating a comfortable financial status.

Children

Pierre Corneille and his wife, Marie de Lampérière, had six children: Pierre, Marie, Marthe, Marie-Anne, Marguerite, and François. His descendants continued to uphold his literary legacy.