The Cid

"The Cid" by Pierre Corneille is a 17th-century French tragic play that centers on Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, called the Cid, and his struggle between his love for Chimène and his obligation to avenge his father's death. The story begins with Chimène confiding in her friend Elvira about her love for Rodrigo, who is admired by her father, but problems start when Rodrigo kills Chimène's father to avenge his own father's honor. Chimène is then left struggling between her love for Rodrigo and her duty to avenge her father's death, with the play exploring love, honor, and duty, establishing motivations, relationships, and foreshadowing tragic consequences.