Molière

Definition

Molière was a French playwright and actor, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His works, which often highlighted the follies and vices of society through sharp wit and satirical humor, played a crucial role in the historical development of theater, especially in shaping the genre of comedy and establishing theatrical conventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molière was born on January 15, 1622, and became the leading playwright in France during the 17th century, often performing at the court of King Louis XIV.
2. He wrote over 30 plays, including famous works like 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'The Imaginary Invalid', which blend humor with social critique.
3. His unique blend of comedy and social commentary paved the way for future comedic playwrights and influenced the development of modern theater.
4. Molière faced criticism and censorship for his works, particularly 'Tartuffe', which was seen as an attack on religious hypocrisy.
5. He passed away on February 17, 1673, shortly after a performance of 'The Imaginary Invalid', highlighting the deep connection between his life and his theatrical work.

Review Questions

• How did Molière’s background influence his approach to comedy in his plays?
  • Molière's background as both a playwright and an actor allowed him to deeply understand the mechanics of performance and audience engagement. Growing up in a wealthy family but choosing to pursue theater meant he had insight into both aristocratic life and common societal issues. This blend of experiences informed his comedic style, allowing him to create characters that reflected the quirks and follies of both the upper classes and ordinary people, thus making his satire relatable to a wide audience.
• Discuss how Molière's works reflect the social issues of his time and how they contributed to the evolution of theatrical traditions.
  • Molière's plays often tackled themes such as hypocrisy, marriage, social pretensions, and religious fanaticism, reflecting the complexities of 17th-century French society. By exposing these issues through comedy, he was able to critique societal norms while entertaining audiences. His innovative use of character types and situations helped evolve theatrical traditions by emphasizing realism in comedic storytelling, paving the way for modern theatrical conventions that still resonate today.
• Evaluate Molière’s impact on modern theater and how his techniques are reflected in contemporary comedic works.
  • Molière's impact on modern theater is profound; his techniques of character development, satire, and social commentary set a standard for comedic writing that persists today. His ability to blend humor with critical insights into human behavior influenced countless playwrights after him. Contemporary comedic works often echo Molière’s style through their exploration of societal flaws using humor, showcasing that his legacy continues to shape the way laughter is used as a vehicle for critique in theater.

Related terms

Commedia dell'arte: An improvisational theater form that originated in Italy, characterized by stock characters and scenarios, influencing Molière's style and approach to comedy.

Farce: A comic dramatic work that employs exaggerated and improbable situations, which can be seen in many of Molière's plays.

Theater of the Absurd: A post-World War II literary movement that reflects existential themes through nonsensical dialogue and illogical situations, drawing inspiration from Molière's exploration of human nature.