Molière

Definition

Molière was a French playwright and actor, known for his comedic plays that satirized the social norms and hypocrisies of 17th century France. His works are key to the development of the comedy genre, heavily influenced by earlier theatrical traditions, including Commedia dell'Arte and Roman comedy, while also contributing to the preservation and rediscovery of classical texts through his innovative storytelling and character development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molière's real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, and he adopted his stage name as a form of artistic identity.
2. His most famous plays include 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'The School for Wives', each highlighting social critiques of hypocrisy, love, and education.
3. Molière often performed his works before the French court, gaining both fame and controversy for his bold criticisms of societal norms and religious hypocrisy.
4. He is credited with developing the genre of comedy of manners, focusing on the manners and behaviors of the upper classes in a satirical light.
5. Molière's influence extends beyond theatre; his work has inspired countless adaptations and remains a fundamental part of the study of comedic literature today.

Review Questions

• How did Molière's use of characters reflect the conventions of Commedia dell'Arte, and what impact did this have on his works?
  • Molière incorporated stock characters from Commedia dell'Arte, such as the clever servant and the pompous aristocrat, using them to enhance the humor in his plays. This blend allowed him to create relatable and memorable characters that resonated with audiences while also providing social commentary. By employing these familiar character types, Molière successfully connected with viewers, making his critiques of society more accessible and engaging.
• Discuss the role of farce in Molière's comedies and how it contributed to his social critiques.
  • Farce played a crucial role in Molière's comedic style by allowing him to exaggerate situations for comedic effect while simultaneously delivering pointed social critiques. His use of absurd scenarios highlighted the ridiculousness of certain societal behaviors, especially among the upper classes. By incorporating elements of farce, Molière created a platform for discussing serious issues like hypocrisy and moral failings in a manner that was entertaining yet thought-provoking for his audience.
• Evaluate Molière's contributions to the preservation and rediscovery of classical texts within the context of 17th-century French theatre.
  • Molière's work not only revitalized interest in classical themes but also bridged classical ideals with contemporary societal issues. He drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman comedies while infusing them with modern sensibilities. This approach helped to preserve classical storytelling techniques while ensuring their relevance to 17th-century audiences, thereby influencing the trajectory of French theatre and paving the way for future playwrights to explore similar themes.

Related terms

Commedia dell'Arte: A form of Italian theatrical improvisation characterized by masked 'stock' characters and a focus on physical comedy, which heavily influenced Molière's character creation and comedic style.

Farce: A comic dramatic work that employs exaggerated and improbable situations, which Molière often used to create humor in his plays while critiquing societal norms.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that sought to revive the classical ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art and literature, which Molière was part of in shaping the structure and themes of French theatre.