FOR THE ISSUE OF GENESIS OF THE TRAGEDY ''CINNA'' BY PIERRE CORNEILLE

Abstract

The article discusses the issue of the genesis of one of Pierre Corneille's  "Roman Tragedies"   "Cinna", which  is  closely related to the  tragic events that occurred in Corneile's native  region, Normandy, namely in the city of Rouen in 1639 - 1640. 

In 17th century France,  while absolutism reached its highest point  representatives of the lower classes still lived in extreme  poverty.  Anti-government   demonstrations were observed  in different  parts and  cities  of France,  including Corneille's native  Normandy.  The Normans  could no longer bear the burden of  taxes. Social discontent was accompanied by religious conflicts. Dissatisfied with their social situation, the Norman peasants went into the forest and created an army, which they pathetically called  "Armée  de la  Souffrance"-    "Army of Suffering".

Connection  P. Corneille's tragedy to the events in Rouen attracted the attention of Corneille's researchers from the beginning. Édouard Fournier was the first to include in his study-  ''Notes on the Life  of   Corneille'' (''Notes sur la vie de Corneille''), which precedes his play ''Corneille at the Saint-Roch hill'' ( "Corneille  à  la butte Saint-Roch''), he focused on the connection between the story of "Cinna" and the news that happened in Rouen in 1639.

The study of the genesis of "Cinna" shows that P. Corneille's goal was to  praise  Cardinal Richelieu.  We note that  Pierre  Corneille  did  not  choose mercy  as  the main theme of  "Cinna" by chance. The Mercy of Augustus refers to an episode in Richelieu's life that was well known in Corneille's time, and it is impossible that  the  dramatist  was  not  aware  of  it. The  episode  deals  with a conspiracy  known  as  the  ''Women's Conspiracy''.  When  Cardinal  Richelieu  learned about  the conspiracy,  he  pardoned  the  members  of  the conspiracy as in "Cinna" Emperor Augustus pardoned those who plotted against him.

The study of the historical and typological connections  P. Corneille's "Cinna" clarifies  "Cinna" is not only a product of historical interest and abstract thinking  but the  heroes of  "Cinna" are imbued with the spirit  of  the  reality of  Pierre Corneille's era. They think  and act according to the political and social  situation  of 17th century France.

Key words: Pierre   Corneille,  Cinna, genesis, French classicist  tragedy.