Le Cid

Corneille called Le Cid a “tragicomedy.” In what sense is the play tragic? Is there anything comic in it? What might “tragicomedy” mean as applied here?

Many important events, specifically the duels and battles, happen offstage. Is this a dramatic weakness, in your view? Why or why not?

Different attitudes are shown toward dueling in the play. At various times a duel is considered a crime worthy of the death penalty or as a just way to settle a dispute. How do you think Corneille ultimately depicts dueling as a means to justice? Cite at least three examples from the text.