The purpose of this research is to explore the tragedy Britannicus by Jean Racine. The plan of the research will be to discuss the outline of action, and then to set forth the criticism surrounding the play, so as to reveal its principal themes and the elements of the drama that provide the most significance in the modern period.
The action of Britannicus is based on historical fact, and it is built around the decision by the first century A.D. Emperor Nero to murder his adoptive half brother Britannicus, who was his closest rival for the throne until disinherited by Claudius. Urged by one evil advisor, his tutor Narcissus, to eliminate Britannicus, and by another honorable advisor, his mentor Burrus, to treat him with dignity, Nero sides with Narcissus, at once cementing his supremacy in Rome and establishing the murderous pattern of all his subsequent actions. Tilley refers to the process of Nero's decision as a contest between his good and evil genius (Tilley 26). Nero succumbs in part to what turn out to be Narcissus's political ambitions, in part to his lust for Britannicus's betrothed June, and in part to his wish to be rid of what has been the overriding influence of his power hungry mother Agrippina, who had murdered Nero's predecessor (and her husband) Claudius so that Nero could ascend to the throne. Within this framework of action, Nero abducts June because marriage between her and Britannicus could constitute a claim to the throne. When she is brought to the palace, Nero declares himself in love with her; this does not prevent him from coercing her into rejecting Britannicus in order that Britannicus's life might be spared. Nor does he listen to Burrus when Burrus, on moral grounds, tries to dissuade him from divorcing his wife Octavia and take June as a wife. Narcissus convinces Britannicus that June has come to Nero of her own will, and Britannicus, not knowing that she has been coerced, believes him. Meanwhi...