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The Cid   By: (1606-1684)

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The Cid by Pierre Corneille is a masterpiece that intricately blends love, honor, and power within the backdrop of medieval Spain. Set in the majestic city of Seville, the play takes the reader on a captivating journey through the life of Rodrigue, commonly known as "The Cid."

Corneille's work explores the complexities of love, seen through the lens of Rodrigue and Chimène, two young lovers divided by familial loyalties. Their forbidden love is beautifully portrayed, with Corneille deftly capturing their conflicting emotions of desire, duty, and honor. The intense power dynamics between their fathers further add to the complexity of their relationship, raising the stakes and delivering a heart-wrenching exploration of the consequences of love in a society governed by tradition and duty.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Cid is Corneille's ability to create a vibrant and vivid setting that transports the reader to medieval Spain. The rich descriptions of the city of Seville, its bustling streets, opulent palaces, and majestic cathedrals, add depth and authenticity to the narrative. Corneille's attention to detail in depicting the social customs and traditions of the time further enhances the immersive experience and provides a greater understanding of the characters' motivations.

The plot of The Cid is intricately woven, filled with political intrigue, treachery, and moments of intense action. Corneille skillfully balances these elements while maintaining a sense of emotional depth, making every plot twist and conflict resonate deeply with the reader. The occasional moments of comic relief interspersed within the dramatic narrative also help to alleviate tension and provide a well-rounded reading experience.

Corneille's portrayal of honor and its impact on the characters is particularly compelling. Through the character of Rodrigue, the author explores the intricate dilemma of choosing between personal desires and the demands of duty. The internal conflicts faced by Rodrigue as he grapples with abandoning his love for the sake of honor are profoundly moving, and leave a lasting impact on the reader.

However, it is worth noting that the language used in The Cid can sometimes be dense and may require a level of patience and concentration from the reader. The dialogue is reminiscent of the poetic style of the era, which, while beautiful, can be quite challenging to follow at times. Yet, this richness of language ultimately contributes to the play's authenticity and demonstrates Corneille's mastery of his craft.

Overall, The Cid is a remarkable play that delves into the depths of human emotions, examines the delicate balance between love and duty, and exposes the intricate nature of honor in a medieval society. Corneille's impeccable storytelling and vivid imagery make this work both emotionally poignant and intellectually stimulating. The Cid stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical theater and cements Pierre Corneille's status as a literary giant.

First Page:

[Transcriber's note: This text is no longer copyrighted; original copyright note preserved for accuracy.]

Handy Literal Translations

CORNEILLE'S

THE CID

A Literal Translation, by

ROSCOE MONGAN

1896, BY HINDS & NOBLE

HINDS, NOBLE & ELDREDGE, Publishers,

31 33 35 West Fifteenth Street, New York City

PREFACE.

Cid Campeador is the name given in histories, traditions and songs to the most celebrated of Spain's national heroes.

His real name was Rodrigo or Ruy Diaz (i.e. "son of Diego"), a Castilian noble by birth. He was born at Burgos about the year 1040.

There is so much of the mythical in the history of this personage that hypercritical writers, such as Masdeu, have doubted his existence; but recent researches have succeeded in separating the historical from the romantic.

Under Sancho II, son of Ferdinand, he served as commander of the royal troops. In a war between the two brothers, Sancho II. and Alfonso VI. of Leon, due to some dishonorable stratagem on the part of Rodrigo, Sancho was victorious and his brother was forced to seek refuge with the Moorish King of Toledo.

In 1072 Sancho was assassinated at the siege of Zamora, and as he left no heir the Castilians had to acknowledge Alfonso as King. Although Alfonso never forgave the Cid for having, as leader of the Castilians, compelled him to swear that he (the Cid) had no hand in the murder of his brother Sancho, as a conciliatory measure, he gave his cousin Ximena, daughter of the Count of Oviedo, to the Cid in marriage, but afterwards, in 1081, when he found himself firmly seated on the throne, yielding to his own feelings of resentment and incited by the Leonese nobles, he banished him from the kingdom... Continue reading book >>




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