Books Quote by Horace Walpole
![“[Corneille] was inspired by Roman authors and Roman spirit, Racine with delicacy by the polished court of Louis XIV.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/833/horace-walpole-3357_books_corneille-was-inspired-by-roman-authors_1453054.jpg)
“[Corneille] was inspired by Roman authors and Roman spirit, Racine with delicacy by the polished court of Louis XIV.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on the French Stage, 1760
Corneille's work reflects Roman influence, while Racine blends that with refined courtly elegance.
In simple terms: Corneille is Roman, Racine is courtly.
Key Takeaway
Recognize cultural layers in literature.
Themes
literature
influence
style
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
literary
historical
When to use this quote
- playwriting
- literary criticism
- education
Key Concepts
classical influence
courtly refinement
dramatic structure
Questions to Reflect On
- What other cultures shaped French drama?
- How does courtly taste affect storytelling?
A Different Perspective
Attribution can oversimplify complex artistic exchanges.
![“It is more important to have greatly extended the frontiers of the Roman spirit than the frontiers of the Roman empire. [Speaking of Cicero]” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d6/anonymous-1_cicero_it-is-more-important-to-have-greatly-ext_525685.jpg)
![“[French] authors are more afraid of offending delicacy and rules, than ambitious of sublimity.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cdc/horace-walpole-3357_ambitious_french-authors-are-more-afraid-of-offend_1281451.jpg)
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
