The Key Role of the Element of Reason in “Performing Duties” in Pierre Corneille’s Epic Tragedies in French Classic Literature

The seventeenth century was the era of great French writers and playwrights such as Pierre Corneille, Jean Racine and Molière. Among them, Corneille is considered as the father of French tragedy in the history of French literature. Creating prestigious characters who seek immortality for the purpose of gaining honor and glory, and trying to prove their self-esteem and absolute individual identity, Corneille has staged tragedies with a happy ending. These heroes are attempting to fulfill their duties and achieve fame and glory via different ways such as the revival of the aristocratic dignity, extreme patriotism and religious faith. Although Corneille’s dramatic works were apparently tragic, the glorious deaths of main characters at the end of the plays left them with tragic spirit. This is while according to Aristotle, the essence of tragedy is the hero’s scandal and misery at the end of the play. The present research intends to investigate Corneille’s literary career via the study of four of his works: Le Cid, Horace, Cinna and Polyeucte. In so doing, this study also analyzes the motivations of the heroic actions of his characters and simultaneously, highlights the key role of reason and the Cornelian dilemma in the performance of duties and heroism.