Introduction to Infanta in Le Cid
Infanta in Le Cid, a great play, is a highly important character as se serves as a catalyst for the occurrence of numerous events. It needs to be stressed that her actual name is Donna Urraque. She the aughter of an esteemed Don Ferdinand. Despite the fact that in most modern stage enactments, her character is either not highlighted or eliminated altogether, Infanta remains a pivotal character of Le Cid. In fact, an in-depth analysis of the play reveals that Infanta can be regarded as Chimene’s foil — the female protagonist of the play. Her personality attributes serve as a direct contrast to Chimene’s behavioral traits. As opposed to Chimene, Infanta is not driven by passion or impulse; rather she is pragmatic and places high value on integrity and social responsibility. In other words, Infanta endorses a collectivistic social system and hence, she makes decisions that would serve the interests of her community. Due to this emphasis on social responsibility, Infanta does not pursue or profess the immense love she feels for Don Rodrigue — the protagonist. As opposed to her emotions, she follows logic and reason. Although Infanta could have easily pursued and lured Don Rodrigue, her personal values and social conscience prevents her from doing so. Therefore, Infanta can be regarded as a prototype of all those individuals who possess foresight and social wisdom. As a devoted citizen, Infanta in Le Cid believes that retribution should be ordained in order to safeguard social or communal interest and not merely for satiating one’s desire for vengeance.
Awareness of Infanta in Le Cid
Infanta’s awareness of the overpowering appeal of love becomes evident when she acknowledges to her governess, Leonor that “Love is a tyrant who spares none, I fear / This young knight, this lover, aided here, / I love” (L e Cid Act-I Scene-I) which itself is an admission of an extraordinary determination.Nonetheless, as asserted earlier, Infanta desists herself from pursuing a love that is bound to be doomed. She is acutely conscious of her royal stature that of a princess; hence, her loyalty and her strong sense of duty towards her state compel her to renounce her quest of the young warrior, thereby willfully abandoning herself to her duties as a royal member. It is actually this sense of duty that urges her to unite the esteemed warrior, the object of her desire- Don Rodrigue — with Chimene. She says to Chimene, “Dry your tears, Chimene, and free of sadness” (Act-V Scene-VII) adding “receive him from the hands of your princess” (Act-V Scene-VII). When Chimene is consumed by the desire to avenge her father’s murder by penalizing Don Rodrigue, Infanta advises her against it. She attempts to persuade Chimene to reconsider her desire for revenge by stating that if she complies with the law, the good of the country lies in this.
Royal Character of Infanta in Le Cid
Like a devoted member of the state, Infanta in Le Cid manifests perfection in terms of both personal and royal integrity. Instead of ensuring her own happiness at the expense of the happiness of the majority, she adheres to the belief that it is far more honorable to safeguard the happiness of another. Thus, she does not use her stature and influence as a princess to perpetuate her self-interest rather she wants to “seek in the good of another” in the very first scene adding further that this “marriage means so much to all three” (Act-I Scene-I).Thus, like a devout princess or a considerate monarch, she believes in the spirit of self-sacrifice when it comes to the prosperity of her subjects.
Rationality of Infanta in Le Cid
There are numerous instances in the play where instead of resorting to manipulative tactics, Infanta in Le Cid adopts a more rational and moderate approach vis-à-vis her love for Don Rodrigue. However, being human, Infanta suffers from instances of weakness. During one of these moments of weakness, she states to her governess, Leonor “the effect of reason, / When the heart is touched by subtle poison!” (Act-II, Scene-III) is quite weak and not strong. What she means is that reason does not work. When Chimene is undergoing extreme anguish and turmoil with regard to whether she should forgive Don Rodrigue- the chivalrous hero who has saved the kingdom of Castille, she says to Chimene, “Be calm, Chimene, calm your mind’s disturbance, / Be steadfast in the face of this mischance, / You’ll find fresh peace after this brief storm” (Act-II Scene-III).Thus, instead of exploiting Chimene’s anger and benefitting from it to form a union between herself and Don Rodrigue, Infanta advises Chimene to be patient and to postpone making any decision till her anger subsides.
Actions of Infanta in Le Cid
Furthermore, Infanta persuades Chimene to vanquish her desire of seeking Don Rodrigue’s blood in return for her father’s slaying and also expresses her determination that “I’ll help you quench your desire” ( Act-V Scene II). Thus, Infanta plays a quintessential role in minimizing the feelings of aversion and animosity between the two lovers and insists that “Even the King agrees, the truth is plain,/ That in Rodrigue your father lives again; / If you’d have me explain it in a breath, / You pursue public ruin through his death (Act-IV Scene-II). In fact, she has made her realize that “What was right then is not so today. / Rodrigue is now our sole support” (Act-IV Scene-II). And she Chimene demurs, she makes it clear that “But it’s a deed of a higher order / To put the public good before a father” (Act-IV Scene-II). Moreover, she tries to rip to pieces Chemine’s rigid notions about reclaiming family honor by advocating forgiveness and asserting;
“Why should this public notice so pain you?
This young Mars, they praise, once pleased you;
Possessed your soul; was subject to your law”. (Act-V Scene-II)
It is noteworthy that although she herself does not adhere to the emotional demands her heart places upon her, Infanta urges Chimene to follow her heart’s desire stating that therein lies true honor that is in honestly acknowledging the desires of one’s heart as opposed to one’s adherence to societal and familial notions of honor. This shows that for Infanta, love can only be pursued between individuals who belong to relatively compatible social classes.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, it can be asserted that Infanta upholds the status quo. She acts as a mediator between Le Cid, the renowned warrior and Chemine. She does not let herself get swayed by her passionate love for Don Rodrigue. Acting in a manner that would guarantee her subjects’ prosperity, she deliberately tries to extinguish her feelings of love, and instead channelizes her energy in convincing Chemine to forgive Don Rodrigue thereby preventing the loss of an integral state hero. For Infanta, the existence of a state hero- an ideal and exemplary warrior- is more significant than retribution. Therefore, she questions and redefines the entire notion and theoretical framework of preserving family honor. For Infanta, the state supersedes personal and familial interests. Her rational self persistently reminds her that as a princess, she can only cherish a long-term union with a member of another royal family. Thus, Infanta in Le Cid shows rationalism and pragmatism. This enables her to use her persuasive skills and her worldly wisdom to prevent the occurrence of unnecessary bloodshed. Therefore, she can be regarded as a central character of Le Cid, without whom the play would lose its coherence.
Works Cited
- Corneille. “Le Cid.” 06 June 2007. Poetry In Translation. Translation by A. S. Kiln. Web. 20 March 2014 <http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/French/LeCid.htm>.
Relevant Questions about Infanta in Le Cid
- What is Infanta’s role in the plot of Le Cid and how does she influence the story’s events?
- How does Infanta’s character develop or change as the play Le Cid progresses?
- What is the nature of the relationship between Infanta and Rodrigue, and how does it impact the overall narrative of Le Cid?
