Racine, Jean
(1639–1699)
Racine, JeanRacine, JeanJean Racine (B * LA MERTÉ MILON, 1639 – D † PARIS, 1699) French playwright and poet. Orphaned at an early age, he was educated by Jansenists, members of a pessimistic, severe Catholic reform movement that was condemned by the Pope but managed to continue and attract many of the great minds of the time. Fortunately for Racine, the quality of the education he received was indeed superb. He began writing poetry in those years, usually strongly Christian in subject. He also…