What was the name of the play that Molière started in 1661?
What was the role of Madeleine Béjart in the theatre?
What was the genius of Molière?
What happened to Molière in 1673?
Why was Molière sent to prison?
What was the style of comedy Molière created?
How old was Molière when he died?
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About this website
Where did Molière live in Paris?
Molière was called "Le Nez" by his family from that time. He lost his mother when he was 10, and he does not seem to have been particularly close to his father. After his mother's death, he lived with his father above the Pavillon des Singes on the rue Saint-Honoré, an affluent area of Paris.
Where did Molière perform?
Molière often played major roles in his own plays. Molière's company performing at Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. Molière began his career in the theatre as an actor but found French tragedy too difficult.
Why is Molière important?
Molière revolutionized the theater scene in France by creating dramatic, funny and extravagant plays, which opened a new doorway for the future of French theater.
What troupe did Molière found?
In 1680, the king ordered Molière's troupe to merge with that its rival of the Hôtel de Bourgogne, thus establishing the Comédie-Française.
What does the word Molière mean?
Definitions of Moliere. French author of sophisticated comedies (1622-1673) synonyms: Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. example of: dramatist, playwright. someone who writes plays.
Who is Molière in France?
Molière, original name Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, (baptized January 15, 1622, Paris, France—died February 17, 1673, Paris), French actor and playwright, the greatest of all writers of French comedy.
How do you pronounce Molière in French?
0:120:48How to Pronounce Molière - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike this video if you found it useful thanks for your support. Subscribe to learn more and thanksMoreLike this video if you found it useful thanks for your support. Subscribe to learn more and thanks for watching.
How do you pronounce Jean-Baptiste Poquelin?
0:360:55How to Pronounce Jean Baptiste Poquelin (Molière) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo in english you can say it as jean-baptiste pocolave jean-baptiste pocolar and now you know moreMoreSo in english you can say it as jean-baptiste pocolave jean-baptiste pocolar and now you know more videos for you to learn more correct pronunciations like this video if you found it useful thanks for
Is Molière the French Shakespeare?
Molière has been described as France's Shakespeare He was a French playwright who helped create the Comédie-Française, France's national theatre in Paris and has been dubbed the Shakespeare of France.
Which acting troupe would Molière go to see with his grandfather?
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and literature. The playwright was born into a family of wealthy Parisian upholsterers. He was taken to shows by his grandfather Louis Cressé at Hôtel de Bourgogne, where the first authorized theatre troupe in Paris performed.
Where in the room does Orgon hide during Elmire and Tartuffe's private discussion in Act 4?
under a tableAlone with her husband, Elmire instructs Orgon to hide under a table and not to be surprised by some strange behavior on her part.
Is called the father of English drama?
Henrik Ibsen is famously known as the Father of Modern Drama, and it is worth recognizing how literal an assessment that is.
Where was commedia Erudita performed?
With Commedia Erudita, or the learned comedy, we enter Commedia dell'Arte from an above angle. This is the amateur, or dilettanti , scripted theatre played in the courts and academies by the nobles and scholars there.
Where was Tartuffe first performed?
May 12, 1664Tartuffe / First performance
When did Molière perform to the king?
An early version of Tartuffe, Molière's satire about a religious charlatan who insinuates himself into a bourgeois family, was performed for the king at Versailles in 1664.
Who was the most famous French playwright?
Molière (1622-73) Undoubtedly France's most well-known playwright, Molière is also generally acknowledged to be the greatest comic dramatist of the West.
Jean-Baptiste Moliere Biography | List of Works, Study Guides & Essays ...
The Misanthrope and Other Plays Jean-Baptiste Moliere. The Misanthrope is one of the most famous works of Molière, a playwright and one of the greatest authors in French literature. The comedy was written during the 17th century and first played on the 4th of June 1666 at the Palais-Royal, a Parisian...
What was the name of the play that Molière performed at Versailles?
In May 1664 Molière was invited to perform Tartuffe ou l'Imposteur, an attack on religious hypocrisy, for Louis XIV at Versailles, France. The play angered the Society of the Holy Sacrament, a powerful religious group, and for five long years Molière struggled without success for the right to perform his play.
What were the problems that Molière faced?
Although Molière enjoyed the personal support of the king, he struggled with illness, marital problems, and depression. Still, during this period he wrote and presented a work that shows his mastery and genius. Le Misanthrope, presented in June 1666, pleased his admirers, but it lacked the popular appeal necessary to make it a success. L'Avare, presented two years later, failed miserably, and Molière faced extreme financial (related to money) problems. A comedy-ballet, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (1670), helped bring in the public once again.
Why did Molière exaggerate his coughing spell?
When overcome by a coughing spell onstage, he exaggerated it in an attempt to make the audience laugh. The condition worsened greatly, but Molière had little faith in medicine. In 1671 Les Fourberies de Scapin, a bright comedy similar to his early works, was presented.
What did Molière do to answer his enemies?
Molière chose to answer his enemies in the form of a play. His Critique de l'École des femmes, presented in June 1663, included a discussion on stage of both the critics and the criticisms. The "Quarrel" served to establish comedy as an accepted form of literature.
What was the name of the comedy that most amused the King?
Molière. . XIV (1638–1715) in 1658, it was Molière's comedy, Le Docteur amoureux, that most amused the king. The king's brother became patron (supporter) of the troupe, and Molière returned to Paris, the city of his birth.
Why did Molière take the name Molière?
Since the theater life was not considered very respectable, he assumed the name "Molière" in order to spare embarrassment ...
What was Molière's greatest success?
Success and criticism. In December 1662 Molière presented a comedy, L'École des femmes, before the king. It was to be his greatest success. The play centers around Arnolphe, a middle-class man who chooses a child for his bride, whom he then raises in total ignorance.
What year did Moliere present L'Ecole des Femmes?
In 1661, he showcased ‘L’Ecole des maris’ and the subsequent year, he presented L’Ecole des femmes’. The year 1662 also proved to be an extremely exciting one for Moliere. It was the same year when he and his troupe were accepted at the King’s court.
Why was Attila only performed once?
They performed ‘Attila’ and ‘L’Imposteur’, which was only presented once because it was immediately banned afterward. In 1668, Moliere and his troupe presented ‘George Dandin’, ‘L’Avare’ and ‘Amphitryon’.
What is the Misanthrope?
‘Le Misanthrope’ is a popular 17th century play written by Moliere. It is considered one of his greatest works because it was a bold parody on the French aristocratic society, pointing out all its flaws, while ingeniously combining its blemishes with subtle humor. This is also considered a lot different from his other plays, because it focused more on character progress than on plot. Though not a commercial hit when it first premiered in 1666, the play survives in the archives as one of his best-remembered works today.
What is Molière famous for?
Molière was a renowned 17th century French dramatist, actor, director and playwright. He is best-known for his comedy works in Western literature some of which are ‘Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme’, ‘Le Misanthrope’, ‘L’Ecole des Femmes’ and ‘Tartuffe ouL’Imposteur’. He is considered one of France’s greatest playwrights, who perfectly captured the double standards of 17th century French society, fusing both humor and intellect in his works. He was born into a fairly aristocratic family and was educated in France’s finest schools, receiving some of the finest training in theater and fine arts. Throughout his career, he obtained the patronage of nobles including Philippe I, Duke of Orleans. He was admired by court nobles and Parisians alike, making him one of the most-loved figures of theatre. Although some of his works were directly attacked by the Church, he continued to win the hearts of audiences. Today, his works are immensely popular around the world; both in universities and on stage, where it is emulated by modern-day playwrights. Towards the end of his career, persistent illnesses began to take a toll on his health, which reduced his theatrical capacities. Just as his entry into the world of theater was dramatic, so was his exit. He passed away collapsing on the stage after one of his best performances.
Did Moliere have children?
He had another son, but the latter also passed away a few days after his baptism. The third child that was born to the couple was a daughter, but since she had no children of her own later on, Moliere did not have any direct descendants.
When did the Prince of Conti start his troupe?
In 1653, his troupe went on to become the official theatre troupe of the Prince de Conti. The next year, he presented his first play, ‘L’Etourdi, ou le Contretemps’, in Lyon.
Is Moliere still in French?
Many of his works were even translated in English. Some of the words that Moliere used in his plays such as ‘tartuffe’ and ‘harpagon’ are still used in current French. He has been portrayed in popular culture as well. The films, ‘Le RoiDanse’, ‘Moliere’ and the 2007 film, ‘Moliere’ are also loosely based on his life.
Why did Molière choose his stage name?
But still today, the real reason of the stage name choice is not known. Even during his lifetime, Molière is said to have always refused to explain why he chose Molière as his pseudonym. Not even his closest friends – his theater company members – were in the loop. A historians’ theory, however, exposes that Molière could have chosen his stage-name in honor of novelist François de Molière d’Essertines, but there is no certainty on this explaination.
Why did Pierre Corneille use Molière?
According to this theory, Pierre Corneille would have used Molière to write satirical comedy plays which he didn’t want to publish under his own name, being renowned and appreciated as the greatest tragedy playwright . Corneille would have then wished to protect his reputation and avoid endangering his name by assimilating it to the writing of poorly developed and risky satirical comedy.
What happened to Molière in the last performance of the play?
During the last performance of that play, and as he was portraying a sick man sitting on his chair, Molière started coughing blood. Thinking that the blood was part of the act, the audience started praising the actor’s performance. One man of the theater company, however, realizing the real situation, had the curtain dropped, to evacuate Molière. He was immediately taken home and would take several more hours before passing away.
Why did Molière leave his parents?
The only sure thing is that Molière decided to leave his parent’s household to join a travelling theater company as soon as he came of age. At this time, it was common for theater troupes to travel from town to town to play their works.
What genre of theater was popular in the 17th century?
In the 17 th century, one genre vastly dominated the theater world: tragedy. Indeed, at that time, tragedy is almost the only style that is written and played. In this context, Molière started his career by playing tragedy plays, and most notably those by Pierre Corneille, another famous French playwright.
What are some interesting facts about Molière?
8 of the Most Amazing Facts about Molière. Molière. The mere evocation of this name sends us back to the apogee of French classic comedy. Even nowadays, Molière is considered one of the most important playwright who ever lived. His works are still among the most played in the world. In this article, I will take you through my top anecdotes ...
Where is the Comédie Française?
By the way, the Comédie Française, whose history is intricately linked to Molière’s, is a major theater in the heart of Paris, near the Louvre and the Palais Royal (Royal Palace). You may see it thanks to our Landmarks walking tours, which you can book here!
What were the influences of Molière?
T he strongest influence on Molière's theater came from the Italian commedia dell'arte troupes -- with their stock characters and situations -- that he encountered during his travels. This influence was enhanced by Molière's sharing of the Théâtre du Petit-Bourbon in Paris with the Italian Players, led by the celebrated Scaramouche. In his longer comedies, Molière immensely refined the commedia themes and techniques, setting most of his plots in and around Paris and raising neoclassical French comedy to a plane of artistry and inventiveness never attained before or since. He applied the alexandrine , or rhymed hexameter line -- borrowed from contemporary tragedies, many of which he had staged -- to a relaxed dialogue that imitated conversational speech. He also created a gallery of incisive portraits: Tartuffe the religious hypocrite, and Orgon, his dupe; Jourdain the social climber; Don Juan the rebel and libertine; cuckolds such as Arnolphe, Dandin, and Amphitryon; Alceste the stony idealist; Harpagon the miser; Scapin the trickster; Argan the hypochondriac; Philaminte the pretentiously cultured lady; and many more.
What are the plays in M Olière?
M olière's principal short plays (in one or two acts) are: The Jealous Husband (1645?), The Flying Doctor (1648?), Sganarelle (1660), The Rehearsal at Versailles (1663), and The Forced Marriage (1664); the longer plays (in three or five acts) include The School for Husbands (1661), The School for Wives (1662), Tartuffe (1664), Don Juan (1665), The Misanthrope (1666), The Doctor in Spite of Himself (1666), Amphitryon (1668), The Miser (1668), George Dandin (1668), The Bourgeois Gentleman (1670), Scapin (1671), The Learned Ladies (1672), and The Imaginary Invalid (1673).
How long did Molière play in Paris?
During these 12 years he polished his skills as actor, director, administrator, and playwright.
What was the cause of Molière's death?
I n the late 1660s, Molière developed a lung ailment from which he never recovered, although he continued to write, act, direct, and manage his troupe as energetically as before. He finally collapsed on Feb. 17, 1673, after the fourth performance of The Imaginary Invalid, and died at home that evening. Four days later, on the night of February 21, he was interred in Saint Joseph's Cemetery. Church leaders refused to officiate or to grant his body a formal burial. Seven years later the king united Molière's company with one of its competitors; since that time the French national theater, the Comédie Francaise, has been known as the House of Molière.
What is the Comédie Française?
La Comédie Française or le Théâtre Français -- the French national theater -- was founded in 1680 in Paris by merging three existing companies: the Hôtel de Bourgogne, the Théâtre du Marais, and the troupe of Molière. It is organized cooperatively, according to the original charter granted by Louis XIV and revised by Napoleon. From its inception the company has had a tumultuous existence. During the French Revolution the Comédie Française split into two rival factions. In 1803 it was reconstituted. As recently as 1945 and 1959 internal problems necessitated reforms in its charter. It is still noted for its productions of classical French drama.
Where did Molière set his plots?
In his longer comedies, Molière immensely refined the commedia themes and techniques, setting most of his plots in and around Paris and raising neoclassical French comedy to a plane of artistry and inventiveness never attained before or since.
Where did Jean Baptiste go to school?
Jean Baptiste received his early education at the College de Clermont, a Jesuit school, becoming a promising scholar of Latin and Greek. Although he proceeded to study law and was awarded his law degree in 1642, he turned away from both the legal profession and his father's business.
What was the name of the play that Molière started in 1661?
Here it was that all Molière’s Paris plays were staged, starting with Dom Garcie de Navarre; ou, le prince jaloux ( Don Garcia of Navarre; or, The Jealous Prince) in February 1661, a heroic comedy of which much was hoped; it failed on the stage and succeeded only in inspiring Molière to work on Le Misanthrope.
What was the role of Madeleine Béjart in the theatre?
A talented actress, Madeleine Béjart, persuaded Molière to establish a theatre, but she could not keep the young company alive and solvent. In 1645 Molière was twice sent to prison for debts on the building and properties. The number of theatregoers in 17th-century Paris was small, and the city already had two established theatres, so that a continued existence must have seemed impossible to a young company. From the end of 1645, for no fewer than 13 years, the troupe sought a living touring the provinces. No history of these years is possible, though municipal registers and church records show the company emerging here and there: in Nantes in 1648, in Toulouse in 1649, and so on. They were in Lyonintermittently from the end of 1652 to the summer of 1655 and again in 1657, at Montpellier in 1654 and 1655, and at Béziers in 1656. Clearly they had their ups as well as downs. These unchronicled years must have been of crucial importance to Molière’s career, forming as they did a rigorous apprenticeship to his later work as actor-managerand teaching him how to deal with authors, colleagues, audiences, and authorities. His rapid success and persistence against opposition when he finally got back to Paris is inexplicable without these years of training. His first two known plays date from this time: L’Étourdi; ou, les contretemps(The Blunderer; or, The Mishaps), performed at Lyon in 1655, and Le Dépit amoureux(The Amorous Quarrel), performed at Béziers in 1656.
What was the genius of Molière?
Although the sacred and secularauthorities of 17th-century Franceoften combined against him, the genius of Molière finally emerged to win him acclaim. Comedy had a long history before Molière, who employed most of its traditional forms, but he succeeded in inventing a new style that was based on a double visionof normal and abnormal seen in relation to each other—the comedy of the true opposed to the specious, the intelligent seen alongside the pedantic. An actor himself, Molière seems to have been incapable of visualizing any situation without animating and dramatizing it, often beyond the limits of probability. Though living in an age of reason, he had the good sense not to proselytizebut rather to animate the absurd, as in such masterpieces as Tartuffe, L’École des femmes, Le Misanthrope, Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, and many others. It is testimony to the freshness of his vision that the greatest comic artists working centuries later in other media, such as Charlie Chaplin, have been compared to Molière.
What happened to Molière in 1673?
Molière suffered repeated illness in the final years of his life. On February 17, 1673, he collapsed onstage during a performance of his play The Imaginary Invalidand was carried home to die. Since he had not renounced the profession of actor before his death nor received the sacraments, he was buried without ceremony.
Why was Molière sent to prison?
In 1645 Molière was twice sent to prison for debts on the building and properties. The number of theatregoers in 17th-century Paris was small, and the city already had two established theatres, so that a continued existence must have seemed impossible to a young company.
What was the style of comedy Molière created?
Comedy had a long history before Molière, who employed most of its traditional forms, but he succeeded in inventing a new style that was based on a double vision of normal and abnormal seen in relation to each other —the comedy of the true opposed to the specious, the intelligent seen alongside the pedantic.
How old was Molière when he died?
He was to give himself entirely to the theatre for 30 years and to die exhausted at the age of 51.
Overview
Life
Molière was born in Paris shortly before his christening as Jean Poquelin on 15 January 1622. Known as Jean-Baptiste, he was the first son of Jean Poquelin and Marie Cressé, who had married on 27 April 1621. His mother was the daughter of a prosperous bourgeois family. Upon seeing him for the first time, a maid exclaimed, "Le nez!", a reference to the infant's large nose. Molière was c…
Death
Molière suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis, possibly contracted when he was imprisoned for debt as a young man. The circumstances of Molière's death, on 17 February 1673, became legend. He collapsed on stage in a fit of coughing and haemorrhaging while performing in the last play he had written, which had lavish ballets performed to the music of Marc-Antoine Charpentier and which ir…
Reception of his works
Though conventional thinkers, religious leaders and medical professionals in Molière's time criticised his work, their ideas did not really diminish his widespread success with the public. Other playwrights and companies began to emulate his dramatic style in England and in France. Molière's works continued to garner positive feedback in 18th-century England, but they were not so war…
Influence on French culture
Molière is considered the creator of modern French comedy. Many words or phrases used in Molière's plays are still used in current French:
• A tartuffe is a hypocrite, especially a hypocrite displaying affected morality or religious piety.
• A harpagon, named after the main character of The Miser, is an obsessively greedy and cheap man.
Portrayals of Molière
Molière plays a small part in Alexandre Dumas's novel The Vicomte of Bragelonne, in which he is seen taking inspiration from the muskeeter Porthos for his central character in Le Bourgeois gentilhomme.
Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov wrote a semi-fictitious biography-tribute to Molière, titled Life of Mr. de Molière. It was written in 1932–1933 and first published 1962.
List of major works
• Le Médecin volant (1645)—The Flying Doctor
• La Jalousie du barbouillé (1650)—The Jealousy of le Barbouillé
• L'Étourdi ou les Contretemps (1655)—The Blunderer, or, the Counterplots
• Le Dépit amoureux (16 December 1656)—The Love-Tiff
External links
• Works by Molière in eBook form at Standard Ebooks
• Works by Molière at Project Gutenberg
• Works by or about Molière at Internet Archive
• Works by Molière at LibriVox (public domain audiobooks)