On Racine : Book Review

"On Racine" by Roland Barthes is a captivating exploration of the renowned French playwright Jean Racine. Barthes takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through Racine's works, analyzing the themes, characters, and style that define his plays. Central to Barthes's analysis is the role of language in Racine's works, as he delves into how Racine's masterful use of language heightens the drama and emotional impact of his plays.

Barthes's examination of Racine's language is particularly captivating. He dives deep into Racine's writing style, characterized by its poetic quality and elegant dialogue, showcasing how it contributes to the intensity and beauty of the plays. Barthes dissects the significance of Racine's carefully chosen words, their musicality, and their ability to convey complex emotions. Through close analysis of specific excerpts from Racine's plays, Barthes reveals the intricacies and subtleties of the language, enabling readers to appreciate the linguistic craftsmanship behind Racine's work.

In addition, Barthes places Racine's plays within the broader historical and political milieu of 17th-century France. He explores the influence of the court and the monarchy on Racine's writing, shedding light on the complex power dynamics and aristocratic culture that shaped the playwright's works. By contextualizing Racine's plays in this way, Barthes enhances our understanding of their relevance beyond their immediate artistic qualities.

Moreover, Barthes offers readers a glimpse into his own interpretations of Racine's works. He shares subjective analyses, imparting his emotional responses and personal connections to the plays. This adds an intimate and relatable aspect to the book, engaging readers on a deeper level. Those familiar with Barthes's other works will appreciate the unique perspective through which he approaches Racine.

Overall, "On Racine" is an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the plays of Jean Racine. Roland Barthes combines linguistic analysis, historical context, and personal interpretation to illuminate the complexity and beauty of Racine's works. Whether one is a scholar, a theater enthusiast, or simply interested in French literature, this book offers a valuable and enriching perspective on one of history's most significant playwrights.

What are readers saying?

The book "On Racine" by Roland Barthes has received a variety of opinions from readers. Some readers value Barthes' insights and analysis of Racine's works, while others find the book overly academic and hard to understand.

Many readers appreciate the depth of analysis that Barthes presents in "On Racine." They find his examination of Racine's language, syntax, and themes insightful and thought-provoking. These readers feel that Barthes provides a unique perspective on Racine's works, shedding new light on the author's intentions and artistic choices.

Several reviewers also praise Barthes' ability to connect Racine's plays to the broader cultural context of their time. They appreciate how he delves into the historical, political, and social influences that shaped Racine's writing. This approach enriches their understanding of the significance of Racine's works and their impact on French literature.

Nevertheless, some readers find "On Racine" to be dense and difficult to follow. They believe that Barthes' writing style is overly academic and filled with complex theoretical concepts. These reviewers struggle to grasp the essence of Barthes' arguments and often get lost in his intricate analysis.

Some readers mention that prior familiarity with Racine's plays is necessary to fully appreciate and understand Barthes' book. Without knowledge of Racine's works, they find it challenging to engage with Barthes' analysis. These reviewers suggest that "On Racine" may be more suitable for scholars or individuals with a deep interest in literary theory.

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