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French drama -- 17th century -- Translations into English Books
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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.
Molière
Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite
"Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite" by Molière is a theatrical comedy first performed in 1664. When Orgon and his mother fall under the spell of Tartuffe, a pious fraud, their household erupts in chaos. Tartuffe manipulates the family with feigned devotion while plotting to marry Orgon's daughter and seize his wealth. As the hypocrite's true nature threatens to destroy them all, Orgon's wife Elmire devises a daring plan to expose the impostor before it's too late.
Molière
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
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
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
Don Garcia of Navarre; Or, the Jealous Prince. A Heroic Comedy in Five Acts.
"Don Garcia of Navarre; Or, the Jealous Prince" is a heroic comedy written by Molière in the early 17th century. This play delves into themes of jealousy and romantic entanglement, centering around the character Don Garcia, a prince whose love for Donna Elvira is overshadowed by his insecurities and suspicion of rival suitors. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of courtly intrigue, highlighting the complexities of love and honor in a society marked by rigid class distinctions. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Donna Elvira and her confidante, discussing Elvira's feelings towards her two suitors, Don Garcia and Don Silvio. As Elvira reveals her inner conflict over her affections, we see hints of jealousy brewing within Don Garcia, who becomes increasingly tormented by his suspicions. The opening scenes set the stage for a deeper exploration of jealousy, as Garcia's insecurities drive the drama, causing tensions not only in his relationship with Elvira but also among the other characters. This early part establishes key relationships and motivations that promise a mix of humor and tragedy, inviting the audience to reflect on the nature of love and jealousy.
Monsieur (Michel) Baron
The Lucky Man
"The Lucky Man" by Monsieur Baron is a play adapted from the French by Frank J. Morlock, likely written in the late 20th century. Set in 1687 London, it explores themes of love, fidelity, and deception, centering around the character of Cadwell, a charming yet untrustworthy man entangled in multiple romantic pursuits. At the start of the play, we are introduced to a complex web of relationships involving Cadwell, Laura, and several other women who are all vying for his attention. Laura, a widow, is in conflict over her feelings for Cadwell and is being urged by her friends Olivia and Jenny to recognize his faults. Meanwhile, various characters plot to expose Cadwell’s true nature, showcasing both his charm and his tendency to manipulate those around him. The opening establishes tension and intrigue as the characters navigate love, jealousy, and the societal pressures of their time, hinting at comedic outcomes as the story unfolds.
Molière
The Jealousy of le Barbouillé (La Jalousie du Barbouillé)
"The Jealousy of le Barbouillé" by Molière is a comedic farce written during the 17th century, a time known for its flourishing of classic French literature. This play features the themes of jealousy and marital discord, centering around the protagonist, le Barbouillé, who is troubled by the perceived infidelity of his wife, Angélique. The work exemplifies Molière's skill in portraying the absurdities of human nature and social relationships through humor and satire. In the story, le Barbouillé is a jealous husband who believes his wife Angélique is being unfaithful, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and confrontations. As the plot unfolds, Barbouillé's attempts to control Angélique and his interactions with various characters, including a pompous doctor, create chaotic situations that ultimately expose the folly of his jealousy. Angélique, meanwhile, seeks to escape her oppressive marriage and execute some clever deceptions of her own. Throughout the play, Molière explores themes of love, trust, and the absurd nature of jealousy, ultimately delivering a humorous commentary on married life in his time.
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