The Cid, Pierre Corneille

"Rodrigue, do you have a heart?" With this question, Don Diègue tests his son's courage before asking him to duel the Count of Gormas, who has slapped him. If he kills the Count, Rodrigue saves his honor but loses his love - the beautiful Chimène, daughter of the offender. At the time of its creation in 1637, the work aroused the most intense passions. Corneille's rivals attacked the play, denounced its implausibilities, and cried plagiarism. But already, "all Paris for Chimène has the eyes of Rodrigue." Since then, Le Cid has been continuously performed. This volume reproduces the text of the original edition of Le Cid (1637), before the modifications made by Corneille to satisfy critics. The dossier revisits the controversy sparked by the play in the 17th century and presents a collection of texts on dueling. In addition, it offers exercises on reading the alexandrine.