About
Étienne Jodelle, lord of Limodin, was born in Paris around 1532. A member of the Pléiade, he authored Cléopâtre captive (1552/1553), considered the first modern French tragedy, and Eugène (1552), the first modern French comedy. He introduced the alexandrine into French tragedy and drew on antiquity, paving the way for Corneille and Racine. His career was marred by a disastrous royal festival in 1558. He died in poverty in July 1573. His complete works were published posthumously in 1574.
* 1532-01-01 — † 1573-07-01
Major works
- Cléopâtre captive (1552)tragedy
- Eugène (1552)comedy
- Didon se sacrifianttragedy
Key milestones
- 1552Performance of Cléopâtre captive before King Henry II and his court.
- 1558Failure in organizing royal festivities for Henry II, ruining his reputation.
- 1574Posthumous publication of his Complete Works by Charles de La Mothe.
Themes
Classical tragedySocial satireDefense of the French languageVirgilian inspirationPoverty and the artist's fate
Sources: britannica.com · oxfordreference.com