This century was filled with many literary contributions and
the high point, taking place in the later part of the century
between 1660 and 1680, is referred to as the “Classical
Moment” and was the time when some of the most important
pieces of French literature were produced.
In the early 17th century, French literature
coincided with the Baroque movement that was developing in
the artistic scene. Typical characteristics of this movement
include the personal, dynamic, colourful elements as well
as the use of images to produce an impact on the readers or
spectators. The idea was to surprise, astonish and catch spectators
and readers off guard, to play on their senses. Prominent
poets of the time included Saint-Amant, Théophile de
Viau, Jean-Baptiste Chassignet, La Ceppède and François
de Malherbe, while some of the better known playwrights were
Alexandre Hardy, Jean de Rotrou and later Pierre Corneille.
In the mid-17th century, literary movement
was centred in Paris and both readers and writers formed part
of a tightly knit society very much involved with the royal
courts, with the focal point being aristocracy and the upper
social classes. Drama continued to bloom with playwrights
such as Thomas Corneille, Philippe Quinault and Jean-Baptiste
Racine. Comedy also evolved at the hand Pierre Scarron, from
using mainly farce to progressing towards romantic comedy.
Influence from Spanish and Italian playwrights was evident.
Scarron’s comedies were performed on a regular basis
by Molière
who was author, manager, director and actor all in one, and
his profound liking for these plays often got him into trouble
with authorities, for whom the satire was sometimes too sharp
for their liking, causing them to ban the plays.
During this time the Académie Française
and other theorists worked to codify the Classical styles
and forms used, which turned them into rigid doctrinarian
principles and set the standards of what should and should
not be adhered to. This, in a way, curbed French literature
for quite some time and lasted well into the 18th century.
