Jean-Baptiste Racine, born December 22, 1639, in La Ferté-Milon, France, was a prominent French dramatist of the 17th century. Racine is celebrated as one of the three great playwrights of his era, alongside
Molière and Corneille. His works are considered masterpieces of neoclassical perfection, with tragedies such as Phèdre, Andromaque, and Athalie showcasing his mastery of the French alexandrine poetic line.
Origins & Early Formation
Racine was born in La Ferté-Milon, in the province of Picardy, northern France. Orphaned by the age of four, he was raised by his grandparents. His grandmother, Marie des Moulins, took him to live in the convent of Port-Royal, where he received a classical education. This institution, run by followers of Jansenism, greatly influenced Racine's life and works.
First Steps into Public Life
Racine was expected to study law but was drawn to the arts. He moved to Paris and became involved in theatrical circles. His first play, Amasie, never reached the stage, but his subsequent works gained recognition. La Thébaïde ou les frères ennemis was produced by Molière's troupe in 1664, followed by Alexandre le Grand in 1665.
Rise & Turning Points
Racine's career flourished with the success of Andromaque in 1667. Despite controversies and rivalries, he became the first French author to live almost entirely on his earnings from writing. However, a court scandal in 1679 and his marriage to Catherine de Romanet led him to retire from public life and focus on his role as a royal historiographer.
Final Years, Death & Legacy
Racine returned to the theater at the request of Madame de Maintenon, producing Esther and Athalie. He died in 1699 from liver cancer, requesting burial at Port-Royal. His remains were later moved to Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church in Paris. Racine's legacy endures through his contributions to French literature and his influence on subsequent generations of playwrights.
