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A review by lapetite
The Cid by Joseph Rutter, John R. Pierce, Pierre Corneille
4.0
Rating: 3.5
It was really striking to read this play. First, I was expecting to be bored (I don't have the best track record with classics). Second, I was expecting a really difficult read. I'm happy to report that it is neither. I like that Corneille presented real and flawed characters, all of them having to deal with the act of sacrificing something dear to them because it was the right thing to do. I found myself wondering several times how on earth could the central problem be solved. In a way it was but it wasn't? Because it ended so abruptly, one can only hope that Chimène was able to forgive Rodrigo though I have no idea how she ever could forgive him. Same way I have no idea how she could stop herself from loving him.
Our most fortunate successes are mingled with sadness; always some cares, [even] in the [successful] events, mar the serenity of our satisfaction. In the midst of happiness my soul feels their pang: I float in joy, and I tremble with fear.
[Don Diego, Act III, Scene V]
It was really striking to read this play. First, I was expecting to be bored (I don't have the best track record with classics). Second, I was expecting a really difficult read. I'm happy to report that it is neither. I like that Corneille presented real and flawed characters, all of them having to deal with the act of sacrificing something dear to them because it was the right thing to do. I found myself wondering several times how on earth could the central problem be solved. In a way it was but it wasn't? Because it ended so abruptly, one can only hope that Chimène was able to forgive Rodrigo though I have no idea how she ever could forgive him. Same way I have no idea how she could stop herself from loving him.