Jean Racine

About

A Seventeenth-century French dramatist, he is known for such neoclassical tragedies such as Phedre, Andromaque, and Athalie. His one comic theatrical work, Les Plaideurs, premiered in 1668.

Before Fame

He studied at the Petites écoles de Port-Royal and abandoned later plans to study law in favor of a literary life.

Trivia

He joined Moliere and Corneille as one of the most important French playwrights of the Seventeenth Century.

Family Life

He was orphaned at the age of four and was raised by his grandparents.

Associated With

Robert Lowell was one of several poets to attempt an English translation of Racine's works.