Order in the Court: Classical Struggles During the Reign of Louis XIV

3 units

Beginning with a study of Versailles, we examine the spectacular dimensions of artistic production under Louis XIV, including architecture, visual arts, and landscapes, in addition to literature. The recent historical novel L'ALLEE DU ROI, which details the romance between the king and his mistress and then second wife Mme de Maintenon, and the MEMOIRES of Saint-Simon help to set the stage for us to appreciate the intrigues at court. Situating the king at the head of a hierarchical and orderly court structure, we examine some of the less harmonious elements of court-dominated life offered in representations by Corneille (SURENA), Molière (LES FEMMES SAVANTES), Racine (MITHRIDATE, PHEDRE), La Rochefoucauld, La Bruyère, La Fontaine, Mme de Sévigné, Pascal. We consider the ways in which the court assures its power through primogeniture, the right of the eldest born son to inherit power, as well as through strict codes of etiquette and the generosity of the crown to its loyal and productive followers. We examine how these factors are insufficient to protect the monarchy against the contravening forces of political ambition, family struggles, the emerging role of women, religious faith, and the devastating effects of war and disease. Prereq: Fr 325 and Fr 326 or one of these courses and the equivalent WU transfer literature course from Toulouse or Paris. One-hour preceptorial for undergraduates.