In this volume of Racine's plays we find "The Litigants," the fourth of twelve plays by the author. Inspired by Aristophanes' "Wasps," Racine removes all political significance in this farce. As the only comedy by Racine "The Litigants" stands apart from his other works. The action of the story revolves around Judge Dandin, who in his old age has begun to go crazy. Hilarity ensues as Leander, Dandin's son, and Petit Jean, a house porter, attempt to...

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Iphigenia," the ninth of twelve plays by the author. After a series of historical dramas Racine choose to return to mythological subject matter for his ninth play. As Agamemnon, King of the Greeks, prepares his navy to attack Troy, the gods quell the winds for their journey and demand the sacrifice of Iphigenia, Agamemnon's daughter. Based in part on Euripides' "Iphigenia in Aulis," Racine departs somewhat...

Collected in this volume is a complete collection of Racine's dramatic works. Written between 1664 and 1691 Racine's plays draw their subject matter from historical events, mythology and the Bible. Presented in this volume are translations by Robert Bruce Boswell of the following works: "The Thebaid," "Alexander the Great," "Andromache," "The Litigants," "Britannicus," "Berenice," "Bajazet," "Mithridates," "Iphigenia," "Phaedra," "Esther," and "Athaliah."...

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Berenice," the sixth of twelve plays by the author. One of Racine's more popular plays in the modern era it was not performed often until the 20th century. In this work Racine draws upon the histories of Roman historian Suetonius, who recounts the story of the Roman emperor Titus and Berenice of Cilicia. Titus, whose father Vespasian has died, is presumed to be free to marry his beloved Berenice, queen of...

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Mithridates," the eighth of twelve plays by the author. In this drama Racine draws upon the historical figure of Mithridates who is remembered as one of the Roman Republic's most formidable and successful enemies. Having reigned over the kingdom of Pontus, around the Black Sea, Mithridates was famous for having gradually immunized himself to poisons. Popular in its day being a favorite of King Louis XIV, the...

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Britannicus," the fifth of twelve plays by the author. "Britannicus" is the first work by the author to draw upon Roman History for its subject matter. The story concerns Britannicus, the son of the Roman emperor Claudius, and would be heir to the imperial throne. Britannicus's rule would be usurped however by Nero who has desires for Britannicus's fiancée Junia as well. The struggle for power and love are...

In this volume of Racine's plays we find "Alexander the Great," the second of twelve plays by the author. As you would expect the drama concerns its titular character and his love for the Indian princess Cleofile. Based largely on the histories of Roman historian Quintus Curtius Rufus, Alexander finds his pursuit of love of the Indian princess complicated by intrigues between her brother Taxilus and his ally Porus.

Extrait : "JOCASTE: Ils sont sortis, Olympe? Ah mortelles douleurs! Qu'un moment de repos me va coûter de pleurs! Mes yeux depuis six mois étaient ouverts aux larmes..."

Extrait : "Quand je lus les Guêpes d'Aristophane, je ne songeais guères que j'en dusse faire les Plaideurs. J'avoue qu'elles me divertirent beaucoup, et que j'y trouvai quantité de plaisanteries qui me tentèrent d'en faire part au public ; mais c'était en les mettant dans la bouche des Italiens, à qui je les avais destinées, comme une chose qui lui appartenait de plein droit..."

Extrait: "ESTHER : Est-ce toi, chère Elise ? O jour trois fois heureux! Que béni soit le ciel qui te rend à mes vœux, Toi qui, de Benjamin comme moi descendue, Fus de mes premiers ans la compagne assidue, Et qui d'un même joug souffrant l'oppression, M'aidais à soupirer les malheurs de Sion ! Combien ce temps encore est cher à ma mémoire!"