Reading the Racinian Kaleidoscope through the Colour Red in Phedre

Notwithstanding the generous amount of scholarly inquiry on Racine and, more precisely, on his use of metaphors, few scholars have directly and substantially approached the ways in which precise colours are deployed by Racine. Consequently, this article explores the progression of words related to the colour red in Racine's PhSdre, demonstrating that the colour red goes from being deployed as dead metaphor to becoming the literal instrument of tragedy. The article concludes by suggesting further inquiry into a literal kaleidoscope of colours in Racine's work.