Author
Molière
1622-1673
Molière (1622-1673) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Molière
Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite
"Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite" by Molière is a theatrical comedy first performed in 1664. When Orgon falls under the spell of Tartuffe, a cunning fraud posing as a holy man, his family watches in horror as their household unravels. Tartuffe manipulates his way into Orgon's fortune, arranges to marry his daughter, and seduces his wife—all while maintaining a mask of piety. The play sparked immediate controversy for its portrayal of religious hypocrisy, leading King Louis XIV to suppress it despite its popularity.
The Middle-Class Gentleman
"The Middle-Class Gentleman" by Molière is a five-act comédie-ballet first performed in 1670 before the court of Louis XIV. The play satirizes social climbing through Monsieur Jourdain, a middle-aged merchant's son desperately trying to become an aristocrat. He hires teachers in fencing, dancing, and philosophy, making a fool of himself at every turn. When he refuses to let his daughter marry her middle-class beloved, insisting on a nobleman instead, a clever scheme unfolds involving an elaborate Turkish disguise that plays perfectly to his absurd ambitions.
The Imaginary Invalid
"The Imaginary Invalid" by Molière is a three-act comédie-ballet premiered in 1673. Argan, a severe hypochondriac, plans to marry his daughter Angélique to a doctor's son to ensure constant medical care. However, Angélique loves another man, and her witty maid Toinette schemes to foil both Argan's plans and his manipulative second wife's attempts to secure his inheritance. This satirical comedy mocks medical quackery while exploring family conflicts driven by obsession, greed, and love.
The Miser
"The Miser" by Molière is a five-act comedy first performed in 1668. The play centers on Harpagon, an elderly widower consumed by greed, who guards his gold obsessively while plotting marriages for himself and his daughter. He remains oblivious that his intended bride loves his own son, or that his daughter has her own romantic attachment. When Harpagon's treasured cash box is stolen, his paranoia explodes, and he suspects everyone—even the audience. Through sharp satire and farce, Molière crafts a timeless portrait of avarice and its absurd consequences.
The Impostures of Scapin
"The Impostures of Scapin" by Molière is a three-act comedy first staged in 1671. When two young men secretly choose their own brides, their fathers return home with different marriage plans. Enter Scapin, a cunning valet who believes nothing is impossible. Through elaborate tricks and schemes, he works to secure money from the fathers and preserve the young couples' relationships. But hidden identities complicate matters, leading to revelations that will determine everyone's fate in this classic tale of deception and romance.
Molière - Œuvres complètes, Tome 3
"Œuvres complètes, Tome 3" by Molière is a collection of classic French comedic works likely written in the mid-17th century. This volume features some of Molière's most renowned plays, including "Don Juan," showcasing the author's keen exploration of themes such as infidelity, satire, and the moral dilemmas faced by his characters. The prominent figure in "Don Juan" is, unsurprisingly, Don Juan, a charming and unscrupulous seducer whose reckless pursuits lead to a series of dramatic confrontations and moral consequences. The opening of "Don Juan" introduces the audience to Sganarelle, the cynical servant of Don Juan, who expresses his concerns over his master's unfaithfulness and libertine lifestyle. As they discuss Don Juan's intentions, it becomes clear that he is embroiled in yet another romantic conquest, pursuing a young fiancée while neglecting his existing commitments. Sganarelle attempts to caution him about the consequences of his actions and the potential for divine retribution, foreshadowing the play's exploration of morality and the ramifications of a life lived in defiance of societal and religious expectations. This exchange sets the stage for the unfolding drama, highlighting themes of seduction, betrayal, and the impending repercussions of Don Juan's actions.
Molière - Œuvres complètes, Tome 1
"Œuvres complètes, Tome 1" by Molière is a collection of the complete works of the renowned French playwright Molière, written in the late 19th century. This edition features a compilation of plays that exemplify Molière's sharp wit and social commentary, touching on themes of hypocrisy, love, and the absurdities of human behavior. The opening of the collection serves as an introduction to Molière’s life and the beginnings of his career as a playwright and director. It outlines his formative years, his initial struggles, and his eventual success in establishing a theater troupe, the "Illustre Théâtre." The narrative also alludes to some of Molière's early works and sets the stage for the exploration of his characters, such as the troublesome husband in "Le Médecin Volant," who seeks relief from his troublesome wife. This part of the text reveals Molière's keen observation of human nature and his ability to transform personal and societal challenges into engaging theatrical performances.
Amphitryon
"Amphitryon" by Molière is a comedy first performed in 1668. Based on Greek mythology and Plautus's ancient play, it tells the story of Jupiter disguising himself as the mortal Amphitryon to seduce the beautiful Alcmene. Meanwhile, Mercury impersonates Amphitryon's servant Sosie, creating chaos and confusion. As look-alikes clash and identities blur, the real Amphitryon struggles to understand why his faithful wife describes a night that never happened. This comedic tale of divine deception became an immediate success and allegedly sparked scandal by hinting at King Louis XIV's own romantic escapades.
The Learned Women
"The Learned Women" by Molière is a comedy written in verse and premiered in 1672. This satirical play targets academic pretension and intellectual affectation through the story of young lovers Henriette and Clitandre, who must navigate a formidable obstacle: Henriette's family. Her mother, aunt, and sister are obsessed with learning and culture of the most pretentious kind, insisting Henriette marry Trissotin, a mediocre poet who has captivated their literary salon. Against her father's wishes but powerless against his domineering wife, the couple must find a way to overcome this absurd impediment.
L'Avare
"L'Avare" by Molière is a five-act comedy first performed in 1668. The play centers on Harpagon, an elderly miser whose obsession with his gold overshadows everything else in his life. He schemes to marry a young woman his own son loves, while forcing his daughter into an unwanted match. When his precious cash box is stolen, Harpagon's paranoia explodes as he suspects everyone around him. This fast-paced comedy blends satire and farce, even breaking the fourth wall to include the audience in its chaos.
Don Juan, ou le Festin de pierre
"Don Juan, ou le Festin de pierre" by Molière is a five-act prose comedy first performed in 1665. The play follows the final thirty-six hours of dom Juan Tenorio, a libertine seducer and religious skeptic, accompanied by his cowardly servant Sganarelle. After abandoning his wife and pursuing other women, dom Juan encounters his past victims, his pursuing brothers-in-law, and ultimately issues a blasphemous invitation to a stone statue. Mixing farce with tragedy, this controversial work faced violent criticism and wasn't published until after Molière's death.
Molière - Œuvres complètes, Tome 2
"Œuvres complètes, Tome 2" by Molière is a collection of theatrical works written in the 17th century. This volume includes plays that reflect the societal norms and personal dynamics of Molière's time, particularly focusing on themes of love, marriage, and the contrasts between youth and age. One of the featured works is "L'École des maris," which explores the tensions between strict guardianship and the desires of young lovers. At the start of "L'École des maris," we are introduced to Sganarelle and Ariste, two brothers with opposing views on love and the freedoms of young women. Sganarelle represents strict control and traditional values, wishing to confine their ward, Isabelle, to a life of obedience. In contrast, Ariste advocates for a more lenient approach, supporting Isabelle's independence and wishes. As the plot unfolds, Isabelle finds herself caught between the rigid expectations of Sganarelle and her own wishes, which stir the arrival of her suitor, Valère. The opening scenes set the stage for a humorous exploration of love's complexities and the clash of generational values in romantic relationships.
The Magnificent Lovers (Les Amants magnifiques)
"The Magnificent Lovers (Les Amants magnifiques)" by Molière is a theatrical play written during the late 17th century, a period marked by the flourishing of French classical theatre. This work, characterized as a comedic play, revolves around themes of love, rivalry, and the superficiality of courtly life. It reflects the customs of its time, particularly the grandeur expected in royal entertainments under Louis XIV's reign. The plot follows the love entanglements of the princess Eriphyle, who is courted by two rival princes, Iphicrates and Timocles, as well as a general named Sostratus. Caught between the affections of these suitors, the narrative unfolds with comedic misunderstandings and astrological musings expressed through the character of Anaxarchus, an astrologer. As the princes vie for Eriphyle's attention with extravagant displays, Sostratus harbors his own secret love for her but feels unworthy due to his lower social status. The play culminates in divine intervention when Eriphyle is led by the goddess Venus to choose Sostratus as her husband, illustrating the complexities of love amidst the expectations of wealth and status in a royal setting.
Molière - Œuvres complètes, Tome 4
"Œuvres complètes, Tome 4" by Molière is a collection of theatrical works written in the 17th century. This volume includes several of Molière's plays, among which is "Amphitryon," a comedy that explores themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships in a humorous manner. The characters include gods, such as Jupiter and Mercury, as well as mortals like Amphitryon and his wife Alcmène, setting the stage for a blend of myth and reality. The beginning of "Amphitryon" introduces the themes of misunderstanding and mistaken identity. It opens with Mercury discussing the plans of Jupiter, who has taken on the form of Amphitryon to seduce Alcmène, the general's wife, while he is away at war. As the scene unfolds, we meet Sosie, Amphitryon's valet, who is bewildered by his encounters and the confusion surrounding his master’s return. The dialogue sets a witty tone, establishing the comedic elements that Molière is known for, while also hinting at deeper philosophical questions about fidelity and the nature of love.
Psyche
"Psyche" by Molière is a tragédie-ballet created in 1671. Born from a collaboration among Molière, Pierre Corneille, and Philippe Quinault, with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, this spectacular work retells the ancient tale of Cupid and Psyche. When the beautiful Psyche is condemned to be sacrificed to a monster, she instead finds herself mysteriously transported to a magnificent palace and courted by a mysterious lover. But jealous sisters and vengeful gods conspire against her happiness, leading to a perilous journey through the underworld itself.
The Pretentious Young Ladies
"The Pretentious Young Ladies" by Molière is a one-act satire written in 1659. Two provincial young women come to Paris seeking refined love and wit. When they reject eligible suitors as unrefined, the scorned men plot revenge by having their valets pose as sophisticated gentlemen. The naïve women fall for the disguised servants, leading to public humiliation. This biting comedy of manners satirizes the précieuses—ultra-witty ladies obsessed with elaborate conversation and artificial refinement—and brought Molière's company to prominence in Paris.
The Countess of Escarbagnas
"The Countess of Escarbagnas" by Molière is a comedic play written in the late 17th century, specifically during the French Classical period. This work embodies the themes of social status and romantic entanglements, while also providing a satirical look at provincial society and the desire for nobility. Molière explores the folly and pretensions of characters who aspire to a higher social standing, reflecting on the cultural values of the time. The story revolves around the Countess of Escarbagnas, who, influenced by her recent visit to Paris, enthusiastically adopts a mindset reflecting the airs and graces of high society. Her excessive pride draws the attention of several suitors, including the Viscount and Mr. Thibaudier, a tax collector who believes he has a chance at her heart. As their comedic pursuits and jealousies unfold, the Countess' absurd behavior and relentless pursuit of status create humorous situations, culminating in romantic resolutions. Ultimately, the play critiques social pretensions while highlighting the sincerity of genuine emotions amidst the grandiosity of character façades.
The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman
"The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman" by Molière is a comedic play written in the late 17th century. This work centers around Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy shopkeeper aspiring to rise in social status. Through his attempts to adopt the manners and attitudes of the aristocracy, he becomes a target for satire, highlighting the absurdities of social pretensions and class distinctions. The opening of the play introduces us to Mr. Jourdain, who is surrounded by various masters he has hired to teach him music, dancing, and fencing, demonstrating his eagerness to cultivate a genteel lifestyle. Dialogue among the musicians and dancers reveals their mixed feelings about Jourdain's lack of true artistic appreciation juxtaposed with his financial support. As the scene unfolds, we see Jourdain eagerly anticipating the arrival of guests, revealing his ignorance and naivety in trying to impress those of higher status, setting the stage for the comedic misunderstandings and social commentary that will follow.
Sganarelle, or, the Self-Deceived Husband
"Sganarelle, or, the Self-Deceived Husband" by Molière is a one-act comedy in verse first performed in 1660. When Sganarelle helps a fainting young woman and a miniature portrait changes hands, a farcical chain of jealous misunderstandings erupts. Husband suspects wife, wife suspects husband, and young lovers fear betrayal—all based on false assumptions. This farce of hasty conclusions became Molière's most frequently performed play during his lifetime, warning audiences that even seeing everything doesn't mean believing the truth.
The Flying Doctor (Le Médecin Volant)
"The Flying Doctor" by Molière is a French play that premiered in Paris on 18 April 1659. Based on commedia dell'arte traditions, this farce follows young Lucile, who loves Valère but is being forced to marry the elderly Villebrequin. To outsmart her father Gorgibus, Valère's clever servant Sganarelle devises an elaborate scheme involving disguise and deception, playing both himself and his twin "doctor" brother in increasingly frantic scenes that push the limits of theatrical trickery.
Monsieur De Pourceaugnac
"Monsieur De Pourceaugnac" by Molière is a three-act comédie-ballet first performed in 1669 before King Louis XIV. When the provincial Monsieur de Pourceaugnac arrives to marry Julie, he doesn't know she's already in love with another man. Julie and her beloved Éraste enlist a cunning schemer to sabotage the unwanted marriage through an escalating series of clever deceptions. This comedy-ballet combines spoken dialogue with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully and became one of Molière's greatest successes.
Le Mariage forcé
"Le Mariage forcé" by Molière is a comédie-ballet first performed in 1664. Sganarelle, a wealthy fifty-three-year-old man, decides to marry the young and beautiful Dorimène. Despite warnings from his friend and confusing advice from philosophers and fortune-tellers, he pursues the match. But when he overhears Dorimène confessing her mercenary motives to her lover, Sganarelle tries to escape the engagement—only to find himself trapped by her brother's threats and violence into an unwanted marriage.
L'Étourdi ou les contre-temps
"L'Étourdi ou les contre-temps" by Molière is a five-act comedy first performed in 1655. When young aristocrat Lelio falls for Celia, a woman enslaved by a miserly old man, his clever servant Mascarille devises scheme after elaborate scheme to help him. But there's one problem: Lelio himself keeps accidentally sabotaging every plan. Through disguises, fake deaths, and stolen purses, this farcical tale of romantic pursuit shows what happens when good intentions clash with spectacular incompetence.
The School for Husbands
"The School for Husbands" by Molière is a play written in 1661. Two brothers take opposing approaches to raising their future wives, who are sisters under their guardianship. Sganarelle controls and dominates his intended bride Isabella, while his older brother Ariste treats Léonor as an equal. Their contrasting methods lead to dramatically different outcomes, as one brother finds romantic success while the other fails so spectacularly that he becomes an unwitting accomplice in his own beloved's scheme to pursue another man.