Andromache by Jean Racine (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Andromache by Jean Racine. It provides a thorough exploration of the play’s plot, characters and main themes, including tragedy and irony. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 26-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Jean Racine
• Presentation of Andromache
• Summary of Andromache
• Character study
  • Andromache
  • Pyrrhus
  • Hermione
  • Orestes
  • The confidants
• Analysis of Andromache
  • The dramatic structure of Andromache
  • A tragedy of irony
  • A Jansenist vision of the world
  • From realism to imprisonment
  • Racine’s language: the “muting effect”

About Andromache

Andromache was first performed in 1667. It revolves around a series of unrequited passions, which ultimately lead to the death of the majority of the characters.  The main characters in question are the Greek mythological heroes Orestes, Hermione, Pyrrhus and Andromache.

As well as being Racine’s third tragedy, Andromache was also his first major success. What is more, it has proven to be the most popular of his plays over the ages, and it is still performed to this day.

About Jean Racine

Jean Racine was a 17^th-century French dramatist who was one of the leading figures of classical tragedy. He was orphaned when he was just three years old and was taken in by his grandparents. He was expected to study law, but turned towards a more artistic lifestyle and began to become involved in the world of theatre. He is known most of all for his 11 tragedies, many of which were inspired by history or mythology, such as Andromaque.

Racine’s plays were very successful, but he was quickly forced to face up to allegations that his works were having a negative influence on the minds of his audience. He eventually retired from public life, possibly partly due to a court scandal in which he was involved in 1679. He died in 1699.