Pierre Corneille was a French poet-playwright born in Rouen (Kingdom of France)  on June 6th, 1606. Both of his parents were magistrates. He had a great education, went in a Jesuit school, and had decided on a legal career as a lawyer. He went to a law school, became a lawyer, as predicted, but was too shy to plead, so he gave up his career.

On year later, his wrote his first work, a literary comedy. He found a company of actors that presented his play in Paris. Seeing its success, he decided to start a theatrical career. He was 23. For the next six years, he wrote 5 more literary comedies, and his first literary tragedy. Besides, he is the one who rehabilitated literary comedies that were, at this time, judged secondary.

In 1637, Pierre Corneille wrote the play “Le Cid”. It is a huge success. It is the first time that the city of Paris sees such a triumph. But of course, he becomes the victim of his opponents’ jealousy.

After this success, and a few more successful works, he becomes a member of the very famous “French Academy” (Academie Francaise). It was and still is France’s official authority on the usages, vocabulary and grammar of the French language, although its recommendations carry no legal power.

In 1641, he married Marie de Lamperiere, and together, they had 7 children ; one of them died right after her birth.

By the end of his career, Pierre Corneille will face an accumulation of failures. As a consequence, he will put an end to his career and give way to younger poets.

Even though he was retired, Pierre Corneille got the gratification that only talented literature and poetry writers deserved. As a matter of fact, his most famous plays were regularly played at the Castle of Versailles for the king Louis XIV.

He died  at age 78 in Paris (Kingdom of France) on October 1st, 1684.