I. Establishing the French Neoclassic Ideal

             Louis XIII was 13 years old when he came to the throne. Cardinal Richelieu held the real power. France held national prestige through culture and the arts and the French Academy reigned and declared the "right" cultural ideals.

              

     The Cid Controversy

             El Cid was presented at Theatre du Marais. Montdory played Rodrigue.

Scudery's Observations claims that it violated classical aesthetics of the well-made play.

             Richelieu and acadmicians condemned the play.

            Corneille was so ostracized by the theatrical community and the public (Scudery's doings) that he composed an apologetic letter for having written El Cid. This negative reaction and the effect on the playwright showed the power of the press and society to affect a playwright's artisitic sensibilities.