Jean Chapelain
Jean Chapelain (1595-1674) was a notable French poet, critic, and key figure in the development of literary theory during the 17th century. Born in Paris, he was initially set to follow in his father's footsteps as a notary, but his mother encouraged him to pursue a career in literature. Chapelain studied classical languages and later became a tutor to the sons of the Marquis de la Trousse, a position he held for 17 years, during which he cultivated a deep knowledge of ancient and medieval texts.
Despite publishing only a few works, including a preface to Gaimbattista Marini's poem and the epic "La Pucelle," which focused on Joan of Arc, Chapelain gained significant recognition in literary circles, particularly in the salons of Paris. He was a founding member of the Académie Française, where he contributed to the establishment of rules for classical tragedy, particularly the concept of the three unities. His critical insights were respected by influential figures, including Cardinal Richelieu and Louis XIV. Ultimately, while his poetry faced criticism from contemporaries like Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux, Chapelain's legacy as a critic and advisor in literary matters remains significant in French literary history.
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Jean Chapelain
Poet
- Born: December 4, 1595
- Birthplace: Paris, France
- Died: February 22, 1674
Biography
Jean Chapelain was born in Paris on December 4, 1595. He was the son of a notary and, if his father’s wishes had prevailed, he would have been a notary also. However, his mother insisted that he have a career in letters, and at an early age, he studied Latin and Greek with Nicolas Bourbon. He later taught himself Italian and Spanish. He began his career teaching Spanish to a French nobleman, but was soon employed as the tutor to Marquis de la Trousse’s sons. He remained with the family for seventeen years, first as tutor and later as financial manager. During this time, he availed himself of the extraordinary library of the marquis and developed an excellent reputation as a poet and wit who possessed an exceptional knowledge of ancient and medieval texts.
Although Chapelain apparently published nothing during this period, he became a favorite in the salons, especially in that of the Hotêl de Rambouillet and of Madeleine de Scudery. He attracted a number of patrons who awarded him pensions. He was greatly admired by Richelieu and Mazarin and eventually counted Louis XIV among his patrons. His opinions on literary style and form were highly valued as was his evaluation of the talent of aspiring authors of the time. He played a significant part in bringing the rule of the three unities (one action taking place in one setting within twenty-four hours) into practice as an essential rule for writing classical tragedy. According to the abbe d’Olivet, it was Chapelain who introduced the concept of the three unities to Richelieu and the poets who enjoyed his patronage.
When Richelieu founded the French Academy in 1635, Chapelain was chosen as one of the forty members. He was primarily responsible for elaborating the plan for both a dictionary and a grammar, the creation of which was one of the main tasks of the new group. Although Chapelain played a tremendously important role in the development of literary theory and rules during the century, he actually published little himself. His first work was a preface to Gaimbattista Marini’s poem Adone; he followed this with four odes, one of which was addressed to Richelieu. In 1656, he published the first twelve cantos of La Pucelle, an epic about Joan of Arc. He enjoyed a brief success with six editions of the work appearing in eighteen months.
Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux, poet, critic and author of L’Art poetique which established the rules of classicism, put an end to Chapelain’s career as a poet with his biting criticism of La Pucelle. This rejection of Chapelain’s creative work, however, had no effect upon his reputation as a critic. In 1663, he was chosen by Jean Colbert to prepare a list of authors with critical commentary on their ability so that Louis XIV might wisely grant pensions to the most talented men of letters. Chapelain made significant contributions to the intellectual and cultural developments of the period. He brought the literary and scientific communities together in the salons, he adeptly advised the crown in matters of literary patronage, and he was instrumental in the work of the French Academy. He died on February 22, 1674.