Molière

Definition

Molière was a prominent French playwright and actor of the 17th century, known for his comedic works that satirized the social norms and pretensions of his time. His plays, often characterized by wit, humor, and keen observation of human behavior, are key examples of French classicism, influencing not only French literature but also the broader European theatrical tradition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molière was born as Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in Paris in 1622 and adopted the stage name Molière to pursue his theatrical career.
2. He founded a theatrical troupe called 'L'Illustre Théâtre' in 1643, which eventually became successful despite early struggles and financial difficulties.
3. Molière's most famous plays include 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'The Imaginary Invalid', each addressing themes of hypocrisy, social norms, and human folly.
4. He was often at odds with the Catholic Church and various social institutions due to his bold critiques of religious hypocrisy and societal pretensions.
5. Molière's legacy endures today as one of the greatest playwrights in Western literature, with his works still widely performed and studied for their rich characterizations and sharp social commentary.

Review Questions

• How did Molière's work reflect the values of French classicism?
  • Molière's plays exemplify the ideals of French classicism through their focus on reason, order, and harmony within comedic structures. His use of satire to critique societal norms and human behavior reflects the classicist emphasis on moral lessons and the importance of social order. Additionally, his structured plots and well-developed characters align with the classical principles that defined this artistic movement.
• Discuss the impact of Molière's critiques on contemporary society during his time.
  • Molière's sharp critiques of social norms, particularly through his portrayal of hypocrisy in figures like Tartuffe, had a significant impact on contemporary society. His works prompted discussions about morality, religion, and the expectations placed on individuals by society. The controversies surrounding his plays often led to censorship and backlash from religious authorities, highlighting the tension between artistic expression and societal conventions during the 17th century.
• Evaluate Molière's contribution to modern theater and how his themes remain relevant today.
  • Molière's contributions to modern theater are profound; he established comedic structures that blend humor with serious social critique. His exploration of universal themes such as hypocrisy, illness, and human folly resonates even in contemporary settings. Today's playwrights continue to draw inspiration from his techniques and character archetypes while addressing similar societal issues, demonstrating how Molière's work transcends time and remains relevant in exploring human nature.

Related terms

Comédie-Française: A state theater in Paris that is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatrical institutions in the world, known for performing Molière's works and promoting classic French theater.

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and ridicule societal flaws or human behavior, heavily employed by Molière in his plays.

French Classicism:

An artistic movement that flourished in France during the 17th century, emphasizing order, harmony, and adherence to classical principles, exemplified by the works of Molière, Racine, and Corneille.