Molière

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. William Wycherley's The Plain Dealer, for instance, takes central elements from Molière's Le Misanthrope (1666).

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622 – 1673) was a popular French actor and playwright. He is famous for his comedies as he did not only stick to the traditional forms but invented a new style. Therefore, he is said to be “the greatest of all writers of French comedy.” (www.britannica.com)

His Life

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well, he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it. In 1643, he, his girlfriend Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called “L’Illustre Théâtre”. Due to financial problems the drama group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Molière used his stage name for the first time. In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV., became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They were even allowed to play Nicomède for the King and his royal household. From then on, Molière and King Louis XIV had an intensive relationship. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of his mistress Madeleine. King Louis XIV. was the godfather of their son who was born two years later. In 1673, Molière died after a long illness.

His Comedies

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell`arte and developed it even further. He was also fascinated by the improvisation as an important part of Italian comedy. Plus, he liked that the characters were presented in an exaggerated way. As he was interested in human nature and in everyday life events rather than in strange events he copied the widespread hypocrisy of preciosity and ridiculed it. Thus, Molière`s plays, in particular the later ones, focus on human nature. They ridicule the characters` unsocial and selfish behaviour by as the characters are represented in an exaggerated way. Molière is said to be one of the greatest playwright of the comedy of manner. This form of comedy satirizes the affectation of the upper-classes. But some of his plays such as “A Lovers' Quarrel“ (1656). belong to the comedy of intrigue. Typical of this type is that the characters are marionettes that experience a series of improbable events that cause the comic. They do not act, but rather react to the incidents. He also used satire a lot. Because of that, his plays were often harshly criticized. His comedy “Tartuffe” was even banned from public performance for five years. He invented a new style of comedy as he was the first one who set the double vision of wise and silly or real and false in relation to each other.

Molière`s Comedy in Britain

Molière`s comedy style had an impact on Restoration comedy in England as he influenced English playwrights such as Sir George Etherege and William Wycherley. They were the first to introduce Molière`s comedy to Restoration theatre. Etherege was fascinated by Molière`s “Les Précieuses Ridicules” as it was more vital therefore and aroused more enthusiasm than plays by English playwrights such as “The Wild Gallant” by John Dryden. In 1664, Etherege produced his first comedy “Love in a Tub” which turned out to be successful. William Wycherley spent five years in France. Even after his return to England he followed Molière`s career and took over French comedy in his own plays. This becomes already clear in his first play “Love in a Wood” (1671) where he transcribes contemporary social life closely. It was a huge success and even the King became interested in him and his welfare. With Etherege and Wycherley being the starting point, more playwrights such as Thomas Shadwell, John Crowne and even John Dryden were influenced by Molière`s comedy.

Among his plays are:

The School for Husbands (1661) The Nuisances (1661) The School for Wives (1662) The Forced Wedding (1664) The Princess of Elida (1664) Tartuffe (1664, 1667, 1669) Don Juan (1665) Love's Cure-All (1665) The Misanthrope (1666) A Doctor Despite Himself (1666) Mélicerte (1666) The Sicilian (1667) The Confounded Husband (1668) The Miser (1668) Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (1669) The Magnificent Suitors (1670) Psyche (1671). Scapin's Schemings (1671) A Pretentious Countess (1671) Learned Ladies (1672) The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid (1673)

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners

http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/

Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds). Weltliteratur II. Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. Molière. Kempen: Piper, 1987.

Miles, Dudley Howe. The Influence of Molière on Restoration Comedy. New York: The Columbia University Press, 1910.

Further Reading:

Knutson, Harold C. The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.