The Rivals: (Les Corrivaus) (Religion and Identity) - Softcover

La Taille, Jean De

Softcover

ISBN 10: 088920120X ISBN 13: 9780889201200

Publisher: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 1982

Synopsis

Jean de La Taille's play Les Corrivaus is the comical story of the rivalry between Filadelfe and Euverte for the lovely Fleurdelys. Difficulties are resolved symmetrically, and matrimony is the order at the end of the day—though, in the best Renaissance tradition, the difficulties had appeared grave indeed. The play should appeal to anyone interested in the theatre, but it is of considerable importance to historians of Renaissance drama, since it is generally accepted as the earliest surviving French humanist comedy written in prose, and the first to be based on Italian models. In particular, La Taille draws heavily upon Le Maçon's translation of Boccaccio's Decameron. The play also amplifies understanding of numerous conventions of Renaissance drama—especially those related to stagecraft, plot, and thematic treatment—yet La Taille transcends mere conventionality in his skilled treatment of character and plot. He also manages to accomplish his didactic purpose, informing his audience of the foibles of lovers, with a minimum of sententious moralizing.

About this title

About the Author

H. Peter Clive is a Professor in the Department of French at Carleton University. While primarily a specialist in Renaissance literature, he has also published studies of medieval texts and is the author of a biography of the modern poet and novelist Pierre Louÿs.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Wilfrid Laurier University Press
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 088920120X
• ISBN 13: 9780889201200
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 90