poetry. At the start of the volume, Lamartine elaborates on the significance of literature as a form of human expression, discussing its various modes, including oratory, theater, and written works. He asserts that theater, despite being indirect and reliant on external elements, is a powerful medium for connecting with audiences. He sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Racine's career, suggesting that great literary figures are products of their time. Lamartine then begins to discuss Racine and his works, examining how historical moments and societal values shaped his writing while hinting at Racine's contextual struggles and triumphs within the literary canon. (This is an automatically generated summary.)