1606-1684. French dramatist. His many
tragedies, such as Oedipe 1659, glorify the
strength of will governed by reason, and
established the French classical dramatic
tradition for the next two centuries. His
first play, Melite, was performed 1629,
followed by others that gained him a brief
period of favour with Cardinal Richelieu. Le
Cid 1636 was attacked by the Academicians,
although it received public acclaim. Later
plays were based on Aristotle's unities.
Although Corneille enjoyed public popularity,
periodic disfavour with Richelieu marred his
career, and it was not until 1639 that
Corneille (again in favour) produced plays
such as Horace 1639, Polyeucte 1643, Le
Menteur 1643, and Rodogune 1645, leading to
his election to the Academie 1647. His later
plays were approved by Louis XIV.