Le Cid

Many important events, specifically the duels and battles, happen offstage. Is this a dramatic weakness, in your view? Why or why not?

Different attitudes are shown toward dueling in the play. At various times a duel is considered a crime worthy of the death penalty or as a just way to settle a dispute. How do you think Corneille ultimately depicts dueling as a means to justice? Cite at least three examples from the text.

Which character commits the greater affront according to the values of the play, the Count or Diego? How does this characterize the morality of the ensuing conflict between Rodrigo and Chimène?

We never actually see Rodrigo and Chimène together before their fathers’ feud. How does this affect the audience’s understanding of these characters and their love for one another?

On Page 37, Chimène says that she fainted because she realized that Rodrigo’s death on the battlefield would deprive her of her revenge. Does Corneille present vengeance as an ethical desire in the play? Cite at least one instance from each of the five acts to support your argument.

Why does Chimène suggest the duel between Sancho and Rodrigo if she would be unhappy with either outcome?

There are many turning points and revelations in Le Cid. What would you consider the climax of the play? Consider researching Aristotle’s dramatic structure to support your claim.

One of the early criticisms of the play was that it was immoral for Chimène to marry the man who killed her father. Do you agree? Did Rodrigo properly atone for what he did, and if so, how?