Novelist Auchincloss applies his literary skills to a peculiar form of drama, the 17th century French classic tragedy, analyzing, in particular, the works of Corneille and Racine. The essays offer observations about the limitations of the tragedies (always set in one chamber during a 24 hour period) and how this compactness contributes to the sense of passion, self-sacrifice, and tragedy, specifically in the conventional theme of gloire the mission that compels the hero to sacrifice romance, friends, and family to fulfill a greater destiny. Lacks a bibliography and index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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