The Pretentious Young Ladies

by Molière

"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.