The Life and Legacy of Molière
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Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known as Molière, was a seminal French playwright and actor who revolutionized comedy with his satirical works. Facing adversity and controversy, Molière's plays like 'The School for Wives,' 'Tartuffe,' and 'The Misanthrope' critiqued societal norms and hypocrisy. His innovative comédie-ballet and use of commedia dell'arte elements left a lasting impact on French theatre. Molière's death occurred while performing, marking a dramatic end to a life dedicated to the stage.
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Molière: Master of French Stage Comedy
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name Molière, stands as a towering figure in French theatre, renowned for his mastery of comedy. Born into a prosperous family in Paris, he was baptized on January 15, 1622. Despite the early death of his mother and his father's role as a royal upholsterer, Molière pursued his passion for the stage. At 21, he established the Illustre Théâtre with the actress Madeleine Béjart. Although the company initially faced financial hardship, including Molière's imprisonment for debt, this venture set the stage for his lifelong commitment to theatre.Formative Years and Theatrical Contributions
Molière's early career was marked by adversity. His Illustre Théâtre could not compete with the dominant Parisian playhouses, prompting a provincial tour that lasted 12 years. This period honed his skills as an actor and a theatre manager. A turning point came in 1658 when his troupe performed before King Louis XIV at the Louvre. The play "Le Docteur Amoureux" was well-received, earning the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, the king's brother. Despite this royal endorsement, Molière faced ongoing criticism and rivalry. He responded with creative innovations, such as the comédie-ballet, which combined dance and theatre, and integrating elements of Italian commedia dell'arte into his productions.Landmark Works of Molière
Molière's oeuvre includes numerous plays that remain staples of French literature. "The School for Wives" (1662) exemplified his talent for using comedy to critique societal conventions, depicting Arnolphe's futile efforts to mold the young Agnès into an obedient wife. The play's provocative content led Molière to pen "The Critique of The School for Wives" to address his critics. "Tartuffe" (1664), which satirized religious hypocrisy, was initially censored and banned but eventually triumphed. "The Misanthrope" (1666), a comedy of manners, received a lukewarm reception at first but has since been recognized as a profound satire on the pretenses of French aristocracy.Enduring Impact Amidst Controversy
Molière's plays frequently stirred controversy, particularly among the religious establishment, conservative writers, and the aristocracy. Works like "Tartuffe" were perceived as bold critiques of societal and religious mores, attracting censure and hostility. Nevertheless, Molière astutely avoided direct criticism of the monarchy, which helped retain the support of King Louis XIV. His comedic approach, which used satire to expose human follies and societal contradictions, established him as a forerunner of modern French comedy. His legacy persists in his profound impact on the genre, defining comedy through the interplay of opposites, such as wisdom and folly, or the sacred and the profane.Molière's Death and Lasting Fame
Molière's life ended as dramatically as his plays unfolded, with his death from pulmonary tuberculosis on February 17, 1673, at the age of 51. He passed away after being seized by a coughing fit during a performance of "The Imaginary Invalid." Initially interred in a grave for unbaptized infants due to the prevailing prejudices against actors, his remains were later transferred to the renowned Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Molière's genius is celebrated to this day, with his works performed and revered for their timeless wit and their incisive commentary on the human condition.
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Early Life and Career
Family and Childhood
Molière was born into a prosperous family in Paris and baptized on January 15, 1622
Pursuit of Passion for Theatre
Establishment of Illustre Théâtre
At 21, Molière established the Illustre Théâtre with actress Madeleine Béjart, despite facing financial hardship
Provincial Tour and Development of Skills
Molière's 12-year provincial tour honed his skills as an actor and theatre manager
Royal Endorsement and Ongoing Criticism
Molière's troupe performed before King Louis XIV in 1658, earning the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, but he still faced criticism and rivalry
Notable Plays
The School for Wives
Molière's play "The School for Wives" used comedy to critique societal conventions, particularly the futile efforts of Arnolphe to mold Agnès into an obedient wife
Tartuffe
"Tartuffe" satirized religious hypocrisy and faced censorship and bans before eventually triumphing
The Misanthrope
"The Misanthrope" received a lukewarm reception at first but has since been recognized as a profound satire on the pretenses of French aristocracy
Controversy and Legacy
Criticism and Hostility
Molière's plays, such as "Tartuffe," often stirred controversy and attracted censure and hostility from the religious establishment, conservative writers, and the aristocracy
Avoidance of Direct Criticism of Monarchy
Molière's astute avoidance of direct criticism of the monarchy helped retain the support of King Louis XIV
Impact on French Comedy
Molière's legacy persists in his profound impact on French comedy, defining the genre through the interplay of opposites and satirizing human follies and societal contradictions
Death and Burial
Dramatic End
Molière passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis at the age of 51 after being seized by a coughing fit during a performance of "The Imaginary Invalid."
Initial Burial and Later Transfer
Due to prejudices against actors, Molière was initially interred in a grave for unbaptized infants but was later transferred to the renowned Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris
The Life and Legacy of Molière
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Molière's real name
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
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Molière's birth and baptism date
Born in Paris, baptized on January 15, 1622
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Molière's initial theatre company
Illustre Théâtre, co-founded with Madeleine Béjart at age 21
