Henry Franois Becque French playwright Country: France

1. Biography of François Becque
2. Early Career
3. Masterpiece: "Les Corbeaux"
4. "La Parisienne" and Pessimism
5. Legacy and Death

Biography of François Becque

François Becque, a French playwright, was known for his masterpiece play, "Les Corbeaux", which is considered a masterpiece of naturalistic theatre. Henri François Becque (1837–1899) was a French playwright who was one of the first to break away from the conventions of both classical and romantic theatre. He was born on April 9, 1837 in Paris.

Early Career

Becque began his career as a playwright with the comedy "L'Enfant prodigue" in 1867. However, his most famous work is "Les Corbeaux", which was written between 1876 and 1877. Although it was staged at the "Comédie Française" in 1882, it did not receive much success initially.

Masterpiece: "Les Corbeaux"

"Les Corbeaux" is a play that lacks stylistic gimmicks, with characters speaking in a realistic manner, using colloquial and even incorrect expressions. The play tells the story of a widow and her daughters who fall into the clutches of dishonest lawyers, false friends, and ruthless creditors after the death of the head of the family.

"La Parisienne" and Pessimism

Another notable play by Becque is "La Parisienne" (1885), which is a satirical critique of female infidelity. Becque held a deeply pessimistic view of society, and his plays predominantly featured repulsive characters.

Legacy and Death

François Becque passed away in Paris on May 12, 1899. His contribution to the world of theatre, particularly in breaking away from conventional theatrical styles, has cemented his place in the history of French dramatic literature. His masterpiece, "Les Corbeaux", continues to be studied and performed, showcasing his skill as a naturalistic playwright.