Cinna (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Cinna (SIH-nuh), the grandson of Pompey. In love with Amelia, he seeks to win her hand by avenging her father’s death through the murder of Emperor Augustus, whom he regards as a tyrant. He is finally led to remorse for his evil intentions by the emperor’s display of forgiveness, mercy, and generosity.

Amelia, who is loved by Cinna. She asks, as a provision of their marriage, that he avenge her father by murdering Emperor Augustus. Long remorseless in her demands for revenge, she is finally won over by the emperor’s nobility and clemency, takes blame for the plot on herself, and gives her friendship to Augustus.

Augustus, the emperor of Rome. He discovers, among those he loves and trusts, a plot to take his life. the emperor, through his mercy and forgiveness, causes remorse among the conspirators and wins their admiration and friendship.

Livia, the empress of Rome. She commends her husband’s generosity and mercy to all future rulers.

Maximus, Cinna’s friend and fellow conspirator.

Fulvia (FOOL-vee-uh), Amelia’s friend and confidante.

Evander (eh-VAN-dur), Cinna’s freedman.

Euphorbus (ew-FOHR-buhs), Maximus’ freedman and fellow conspirator.

Polyclitus (pol-ih-KLI-tuhs), Augustus’ freedman.

Bibliography:

Allentuch, Harriet R. “The Problem of Cinna.” French Review 48, no. 5 (April, 1975): 878-886. A general article that presents certain psychological aspects of Cinna’s character. Discusses Cinna’s contradictory behavior and his relationship with the other main characters.

Broome, J. H. A Student’s Guide to Corneille: Four Tragedies. London: Heinemann Educational Books, 1971. Provides an introductory chapter about the scope of Corneille’s works and his dramatic theory. Treats the subject, the scheme of characters, the dramatic mechanism, and the themes. Gives an evaluation of possible interpretations of the tragedies.

Fogel, Herbert. The Criticism of Cornelian Tragedy: A Study of Critical Writing from the Seventeenth to the Twentieth Century. New York: Exposition Press, 1967. An excellent basic analysis of the history of Cornelian tragedy. Divided into four periods that designate marked contrasts or strict compliance with tradition.

Lough, John. An Introduction to Seventeenth Century France. New York: David McKay, 1969. An informative general depiction of seventeenth century France through the great literary works. Discusses the social and political history of the seventeenth century, including the absolutism of Louis XIV. Contains a section on the literary background, portraying the relationship between the writers and their public which influenced the development of language and literature.

Nelson, Robert J. Corneille, His Heroes, and Their Worlds. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1963. Gives various analytical insights concerning the dramatic skills of Pierre Corneille. Concentrates especially on the themes of the Cornelian hero and his world.