Subject
French drama -- 17th century Books
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Molière
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
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
Les Précieuses ridicules
"Les Précieuses ridicules" by Molière is a one-act comedy first performed in 1659. Two young provincial women, Magdelon and Cathos, reject their suitors as unrefined and dream of romantic adventures like those in fashionable novels. The scorned suitors devise a cunning revenge: they send their valets, disguised as aristocrats, to woo the pretentious young women. What follows is a sharp satire of affectation and social climbing that became Molière's first published work and launched a new literary fashion.
Molière
Sganarelle, ou le Cocu imaginaire
"Sganarelle, ou le Cocu imaginaire" by Molière is a one-act comedy in verse first performed in 1660. When Sganarelle tries to help a fainting young woman, a dropped portrait sets off a chain reaction of jealous assumptions and comic misunderstandings. Each character becomes convinced of different romantic betrayals—none of which are true. This farcical tale of hasty conclusions became Molière's most frequently performed play during his lifetime, delighting audiences with its warning about believing what we think we see.
Hilaire Bernard de Requeleyne Longepierre
Médée: tragédie
"Médée: tragédie" by Hilaire-Bernard de Longepierre is a tragedy first performed in 1694. The play follows Medea, a woman who sacrificed everything—country, throne, family, honor—for Jason, only to be abandoned by him in a foreign land. Now stripped of status and dignity, she faces a choice between humiliation and vengeance. Longepierre presents a humanized Medea worthy of pity, staying close to ancient sources while confronting audiences with extreme passion and horror rarely seen on the French classical stage.
Jean de Mairet
L'illustre corsaire: tragicomedie
"L'illustre corsaire: tragicomedie" by Jean de Mairet is a dramatic work likely written in the early 17th century. The play unfolds in Marseille and introduces a variety of characters involved in the themes of love, identity, and social intrigue. The central characters include Lepante, a prince believed to be dead; Ismenie, a princess caught in a challenging situation; and a host of other nobles and comedic figures as they navigate between romance and rivalry. The opening of the play features the character of Lepante, who returns to reclaim his place after being presumed dead for a decade. Through a conversation with his confidant Evandre, we learn about the deception surrounding his apparent demise and the turmoil that has ensued since his absence. We also discover that Ismenie has been mourning him while being pressured into a marriage with the tyrannical Lypas. As Lepante plots to regain Ismenie's heart and face his rivals, the stage is set for an exploration of love’s complexities amidst the backdrop of mistaken identities and the challenges of nobility.
Nicolas-Marc Desfontaines
Eurimedon: L'illustre pirate
"Eurimedon: L'illustre pirate" by Nicolas-Marc Desfontaines is a tragédie-comédie written in the early 17th century. The work follows the story of Eurimedon, a noble figure entangled in a complex narrative of love, valor, and rivalry as he navigates the treacherous waters of romance and conflict with figures such as Pasithée and Tygrane. The setting unfolds largely in the mythic landscape of ancient Greece, imbued with themes of heroism and tragedy. The opening of the play introduces us to Eurimedon, who has just returned from a perilous voyage that involved saving Pasithée, a captive princess, from the clutches of pirates. As the story begins, Eurimedon expresses his relief and joy at bringing the princess back to her homeland, while also grappling with his feelings for her and the political landscapes complicating their relationship. Amidst the unfolding drama, rivalries emerge, particularly from Tygrane, a prince who challenges Eurimedon's place in Pasithée's affections, setting the stage for conflicts that intertwine themes of honor, ambition, and unrequited love. The narrative is rich with character interactions that hint at deeper intrigues among the royal courts and the struggles associated with love in a tumultuous environment.
Nicolas-Marc Desfontaines
L'illustre Olympie, ou Le St Alexis: Tragedie
"L'illustre Olympie, ou Le St Alexis: Tragédie" by Nicolas-Marc Desfontaines is a dramatic tragedy written in the early 17th century. The narrative centers around the themes of love, virtue, and duty, focusing on the character of Saint Alexis, who is faced with a profound moral choice between his duties to his family and his love for his wife, Olympie. The play intertwines themes of loyalty and sacrifice, as well as the societal pressures of ancient Rome. The opening of the tragedy introduces the character of Alexis, the son of a Roman senator, Euphemien, who is bound by his father's wishes to pursue a marriage with Olympie. However, Alexis is filled with inner turmoil, as divine commands lead him to abandon his marriage for a higher calling. Meanwhile, Olympie displays unwavering fidelity and love toward Alexis despite his absence, showcasing her resilience in the face of societal and personal challenges. The characters are drawn into a web of unfulfilled desires and virtuous obligations, setting the stage for subsequent conflict and emotional depth intrinsic to the story.
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