I recently read Bajazet, a tragedy in five acts written by Jean Racine (translated by Robert Bruce Boswell) and first staged in 1672. The setting is the Ottoman Empire in the early 17th century. The characters and plot are inspired by what was, at the time, recent history, which is unusual for Racine’s historical plays. Most are set in classical antiquity, frequently drawn from Greek, Roman, and biblical characters and stories.

The plot revolves around the themes of power, deceit, and love. Not surprisingly, the central dilemmas ensnaring the characters are brought to a conclusion with violence.

“Nay, the last drop would be too dearly purchased,
Were it to be preserved by cowardice.”