Cardinal Richelieu was furious with Pierre Corneille primarily due to the playwright's portrayal of the character Cinna in his play "Cinna," which was seen as a critique of the monarchy and the political status quo. Richelieu, who was a powerful political figure and chief minister to King Louis XIII, believed that the play's themes could incite rebellion against authority. Additionally, Richelieu was concerned that the play's success would undermine his own power and influence. This tension highlighted the delicate balance between art and politics in 17th-century France.
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