Pierre Corneille, Polyeucte

Paul Scott (University of Kansas)

Ed. by Julia Prest, University of St Andrews, Allison Stedman, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.5.2.03: French Writing and Culture of the Seventeenth Century: Classical and Baroque, 1600-1700.
Vol. editors: Heather Kirk (University of Western Ontario), Kathrina LaPorta (New York University), Polly Mangerson (DePaul University), Julia Prest (University of St Andrews), Allison Stedman (University of North Carolina, Charlotte), Tim Unwin (University of Bristol), David Williams (University of Sheffield)

Dates

First circulation or publication 1643

Places

France (Country of Origin)

Genres and Modes

Play

Resources

Pierre Corneille’s five-act tragedy or martyr play, Polyeucte, was first performed during the winter season of 1641-42 at the Théâtre du Marais in Paris and was published by Antoine de Sommaville in 1643. The play dramatizes an Armenian noble, Polyeucte, who has recently married Pauline, the daughter of the Roman governor of the province, Félix. Polyeuxte cedes to the entreaties of his close friend Néarque in the first scene and resolves to seek baptism. Meanwhile, Pauline’s former suitor, Sévère, unexpectedly arrives in the region, a double surprise since he was presumed to be dead in battle after saving the life of the Emperor and has now become his favourite. …

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3200 words

Citation: Scott, Paul. "Polyeucte". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 12 May 2022 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=2622, accessed 13 July 2025.]

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