This project explores the device of "theatre-within-theatre" in 17th-century French theatre, a pattern that appears in over forty plays from the early modern period. Drawing on contemporary concepts such as meta-theatricality and performativity, as well as influential studies in the field, the research analyses rhetorical techniques used to shape audience engagement.
A key focus of the analysis is the figure of the "inner spectator," such as Pridamant in Corneille's L'Illusion comique, exploring how emotional and intellectual responses are crafted through language and theatrical devices. The project aims to provide both scholarly insights and practical tools for understanding the foundations of European literary traditions, while fostering multilingual awareness and critical thinking. By connecting early modern literature to contemporary challenges, the research seeks to demonstrate the power of persuasive communication in shaping perception and fostering engagement in cultural and political contexts.
Period abroad: April - July 2025
"I aim to analyse the rhetorical techniques used in shaping audience engagement and explore how early modern French theatre uses rhetoric to influence audiences. My work not only deepens knowledge of French literature but also contributes to fostering critical, informed individuals capable of engaging with complex cultural and political environments."