The Illusion Comique: Lies and Comedy in Corneille's Masterpiece

Extract

[...] He was a member of the French Academy, one of the major institutes in France at that time. Corneille specialized in the tragic and comic side (so one can speak of tragicomedy) in the writing of his theatrical pieces, particularly when referring to the literary movement. For Corneille, one thinks particularly of classicism and baroque. For the use of these movements, he was particularly inspired by Italian and Spanish theaters such as commedia dell'arte and Lope de Vega to write his works. [...]

[...] In fact, the theater is considered a lie with, in this play, the disguise of another play where characters lie. Furthermore, this is emphasized by the title of the work "The Comical Illusion" which, by definition, lends itself to lies (illusion " False material or moral appearance that, by making us see things otherwise than they are, seems to play on our senses or our mind) Furthermore, certain characters lie in the work, such as Clindor with: have already massacred ten men this night; And if you anger me, you will increase the number." We also have the Matamore who, by his hyperbolic lies, making them humorous, gives a burlesque side to everything that is pronounced from his mouth, such as: "When I want, I frighten; and when I want, I charm; And, as it pleases me, I fill alternately Men with terror, and women with love." Following the Matamore's lies and the final denouement revealing the play, Pridamant's reaction becomes comical for the spectator. [...]

[...] Act V Scene This quote has particularly marked me, as we can observe the attachment that the father has towards his son. In fact, following the tragic event to which Pridamant was a witness, he had the certainty that his son Clindor was dead BUT a turnaround of the situation is imposed. Indeed, in this quote his father notes that he shares money after his death, he understands that his descendant played a role in a theatrical play allowing his father to be relieved and to find happiness. [...]

[...] To put an end to his worry, he will meet the magician Alcandre, who is located in an enchanted and mysterious cave, and thanks to his magic, he will be able to show him his adventure in real time, which he will follow until his death. But in this passage, we notice (spectators of Clindor's life) that the life we have followed throughout the story is only a play. In fact, the representation of his son's life is not real because he was playing a play. Manifestations of the Lie and Comedy: We can observe that there is a chain of lies. [...]