PIERRE CORNEILLE'S “THE DEATH OF POMPEY’’ - LITERARY SOURCES AND CORNEILLE' S INNOVATIONS
Abstract
The article examines Pierre Corneille's tragedy ‘’The Death of Pompey’’ and analyzes the literary sources employed by the author, as well as the significance of his dramaturgical innovations. The primary objective of the research is to explore the process through which Corneille transformed ancient narratives into a dramatic composition, integrating them into the form of classical tragedy. The plot of the tragedy is mainly based on two essential sources: Marcus Annaeus Lucan's epic poem ‘’Pharsalia’’ and Plutarch's ‘’Parallel Lives’’. Drawing from these texts, the author creates a tragedy that responds to the aesthetic and formal requirements of 17th-century French theater.
The study highlights both the elements Corneille faithfully adapted from the ancient sources—such as character identities, the main plotline, and historical facts and the aspects resulting from his own dramaturgical interpretation. The paper demonstrates how Corneille adheres to the principles of unity of time and action, condensing historical chronicle while transforming the narrative. Simultaneously, the author introduces new characters and dramatic details, enhancing the psychological motivations of the characters and amplifying the dramatic tension of the play, which allows the tragedy to acquire not only a historical dimension but also profound emotional and political layers.
‘’The Death of Pompey’’ serves as a prominent example of the interpretation and creative reimagining of ancient sources within the framework of classical tragedy. This study argues that Corneille's tragedy is not merely a dramatization of a historical narrative, but rather an attempt by the author to convey the political and cultural values of the 17th century through the language of art, while also crafting an original and multifaceted theatrical narrative that provides a contemporary reflection on the ancient tradition.
Key words: Pierre Corneille, The Death of Pompey, Dramaturgical Innovation, French Classical Tragedy, Lucan, Plutarch, Historical Sources, Classicism
