Quote: "L'affaire est d'importance, et, bien consideree,
Merite en plein conseil d'etre deliberee."
Synopsys: It's clear that Chimene was having a hard time whether or not to revenge of the crime, arguing back and forth with Don Rodrigue. Chimene expressed her lamentation, broken heart and anger, both in a tender and harsh way. On the other hand, Don Rodrigue tried to defend the crime. In some ways he admited how bad the crime was. In addition, he even tried to steer Chimene to revenge. They exchanged some harsh words. Elivre, somehow, kind of played a role of a mediator in the midst of the story. The argument between Don Rodrigue and Chimene continued, but toward the end Chimene made it clear that she had enough and didn't wan to deal with it anymore. She repeatedly told Don Rodrigue to go away and not to speak anymore.
Reader's response: I like what Chimene said: "Malgre des feux si beaux, qui troublent ma colere, je ferai mon possible a bien venger mon pere; Mais malgre la rigueur d'un si cruel devoir, Mon unique souhait est de ne rien pouvoir." Though the story was sad, it was fascinating. Death is something that is hard for a humans to overcome. On the other hand, it is hard to restrain from revenge.
6 comments:
I was saddened by how corrupt and proud the fathers of both Chimene and Don Rodrigue turned out to be. Although both of the younger generation are extremely conflicted trying to figure out what is the right thing to do, Don Diegue and the Count only care about themselves and their personal honor. Don Diegue did thank his son (briefly) for doing his dirty work, but he doesn't express a ton of appreciation or worry on behalf of his son.
Excellent point about the parents, Valerie, they're leaving the dirty work to the children with no regards to their children's personal future. These extremists (including Rodrigue and Chimene) are counterbalanced with the steady forces of Don Ferndinand and Elvire. They prove to be much more reasonable and lucid.
Corneille puts a lot of feeling into this play. I was feeling like Valerie was about the parents. The thought came to me many times that it was really all Don Diegue's fault. But the culture at the time it was written is a lot different then ours. You see that especially in the Chimene's conflict. Should she seek justice and honor her father, or should she forgive the one she loves?
I'm glad I'm not in Chimene's shoes after reading her conflict. I liked the conflict and found myself wanting to read further to figure out what happens. I like how Elvire is trying to keep the peace and keep Chimene from doing something irrational. It was an entertaining read.
This is an intense story. The conflicts that are comming to be are very interesting. Both of the children have been placed in very difficult places and it would be very hard to choose between the two.
I loved being able to see the inner turmoil of Chimene. I love when as an audience you can feel exactly what the characters are going through. I was happy to see that she told Rodrigue to leave but I am nervous as to what will happen.
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