A 17th-century French cleric and author who wrote influential works on literature and drama, including a treatise on the art of poetry. He's also known for his criticisms of Shakespeare's plays.
Franois Hdelin, abb d'Aubignac, was a renowned French author and cleric who left an indelible mark on the world of literature and drama. He is best known for codifying the laws of dramatic method and construction in his seminal work, Pratique du théâtre, which remains a seminal text in the history of French theatre.
Born on August 4, 1604, in Paris, Franois Hdelin was the son of Claude Hdelin, a lawyer at the Parliament, and Catherine Par, the daughter of the famous surgeon Ambroise Par. He was educated in law, but soon abandoned it to take holy orders, eventually becoming the tutor to one of Richelieu's nephews, the duc de Fronsac.
Aubignac was known for his energetic participation in literary controversies of his time. He wrote Trence justifiée in 1656, laying claim to having originated the idea of the of Mlle de Scudéry's Céli. He was also a professed admirer of Corneille, but later turned against him for neglecting to mention Aubignac in his Discours sur le poème dramatique.
Aubignac authored four tragedies: La Cyminde (1642), La Pucelle d'Orléans (1642), Zénobie (1647), and Le Martyre de Sainte Catherine (1650). Zénobie was written with the intention of affording a model in which the strict rules of drama, as understood by the theorists, were served. In choosing subjects for his plays, Aubignac seems to have been guided by a desire to illustrate the various kinds of tragedy – patriotic, antique, and religious themes.
Aubignac's Pratique du théâtre remains a landmark work in the history of French theatre. His codification of dramatic method and construction continues to influence playwrights and theorists to this day. While his dramatic works may not have achieved the same level of acclaim as those of his contemporaries, Aubignac's theoretical contributions have cemented his place as a key figure in the development of French drama.
Franois Hdelin, abb d'Aubignac, may not be a household name, but his contributions to French literature and drama continue to resonate through the centuries. His codification of dramatic method and construction has left an indelible mark on the world of theatre, making him a pioneering figure in the history of French drama.
Aubignac's life was marked by significant milestones, including his appointment as tutor to one of Richelieu's nephews and his subsequent retirement to Nemours, where he devoted himself to literature until his death in 1676.
Through his life and works, Aubignac left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence writers, playwrights, and theorists to this day.
Aubignac's theoretical contributions to French drama have had a profound impact on modern society. His codification of dramatic method and construction has influenced generations of playwrights and writers, shaping the course of French literature and drama.
Born in 1606
A 17th-century French mastermind behind iconic plays like "Le Cid" and "Horace", known for pioneering the classical French tragedy genre.
Born in 1622
A 17th-century master of comedy, he penned witty plays that satirized the French aristocracy, leaving a lasting impact on Western theater. His works remain widely performed and adapted today.
Born in 1639
A 17th-century master of French tragedy, crafting intricate, psychologically complex dramas that probed the human condition, influencing the development of Western theatre.
Born in 1636
A 17th-century French poet and critic who advocated for reason and morality in literature, and is known for his influential writings on poetry and aesthetics.
Born in 1595
A 17th-century poet and critic who played a key role in establishing the French Academy and shaping the country's literary landscape through his influential writings and critiques.
Born in 1621
A 17th-century master of fables, crafting witty, moral tales that entertain and educate, still widely read and adapted today.
Born in 1623
A 17th-century genius who made major contributions to mathematics, physics, and philosophy, inventing the mechanical calculator and developing the theory of probability. His writings also explored the human condition and faith.
