"It is the crime not the scaffold which is the disgrace"

In this quote, Pierre Corneille is highlighting the concept that it is not the punishment itself that is shameful, but rather the act that led to the penalty. The scaffold, which was a typical type of execution throughout Corneille's time, was typically seen as a sign of disgrace and humiliation. However, Corneille argues that it is not the scaffold that brings pity, however rather the criminal activity that was dedicated. He is emphasizing the value of personal responsibility and the repercussions that come with one's actions. This quote serves as a pointer that it is our choices and behaviors that define us, not the penalties we might deal with.