Abstract:Phèdre is often seen as the classical play written by a classical tragedy writer, belonging to the classical period. The play was the subject of some controversy in the 17th century, which enables us to grasp what could disturb some of Racine’s contemporaries. Paradoxically though, the tragic dimension of his poetic writing seems to favour the relation to the reader rather than to the audience. The place, action and topic of passion are conveyed by the power of his words rather than by the gestures or expressions of the actors. The perceptions of the play can vary according to the criteria Phèdre is based on and that can also alter its interpretations.
