The Satin Slipper

The Satin Slipper, philosophical play in four “days” or sections by Paul Claudel, published in 1929 in French as Le Soulier de satin; ou, le pire n’est pas toujours sûr. It was designed to be read rather than performed (an abridged version was staged in 1943), and it is often considered Claudel’s masterpiece.

The play is an ambiguous and convoluted epic work that celebrates Roman Catholic doctrine. It is set on four continents during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and concerns the love of Rodrigue, a Spanish conquistador, for Prouhèze, a married woman. The two are separated for many years while he is on a mission to the Americas to colonize for the Spanish crown and she is sent to North Africa. When Rodrigue and Prouhèze finally meet again, they do not consummate their great passion. They sacrifice their happiness in exchange for God’s ultimate grace.