Subject
French drama -- 18th century Books
Best books
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
Le barbier de Séville; ou, la précaution inutile
"Le barbier de Séville; ou, la précaution inutile" by Beaumarchais is a French play written in 1773. A Spanish count falls for Rosine and disguises himself as a poor student to win her true affection. Her scheming guardian, Doctor Bartholo, keeps her locked away and plans to marry her himself. When the Count reunites with his former servant Figaro, now a barber, they devise clever schemes to outwit Bartholo and bring the lovers together in this comedic tale of disguise and deception.
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
La Folle Journée ou le Mariage de Figaro
"La Folle Journée ou le Mariage de Figaro" by Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais is a five-act comedy written in 1778 and first publicly performed in 1784 after years of censorship. On the morning of Figaro's wedding to Suzanne, the servant discovers his master, Count Almaviva, wants to reinstate an abolished feudal right. What follows is a frenzied day of schemes, disguises, and cascading surprises. The play's bold critique of aristocratic privilege made it a controversial precursor to the French Revolution.
Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
L'autre Tartuffe, ou La mère coupable
"L'autre Tartuffe, ou La mère coupable" by Pierre Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais is a play written in 1791. The final work in the Figaro trilogy reunites beloved characters twenty years after "The Marriage of Figaro." The Count and Countess harbor devastating secrets about their children's true parentage, while a manipulative newcomer named Bégearss schemes to exploit these hidden truths for personal gain. Figaro and Suzanne must navigate family deception, illegitimate heirs, and dangerous intrigue to protect their master and mistress once again.
Sylvain Maréchal
Le jugement dernier des rois
"Le jugement dernier des rois" by Sylvain Maréchal is a one-act prophecy presented in prose, written during the late 18th century. This theatrical piece centers around the theme of kings and tyrants being brought to justice, reflecting the revolutionary sentiments of its time, particularly in relation to the upheaval during and after the French Revolution. It serves as a social commentary on the roles and responsibilities of rulers versus the rights of the people. The narrative unfolds in a volcanic island where all the kings of Europe are sent as punishment for their tyranny. A French elder, who has been exiled there for twenty years, encounters a group of sans-culottes who inform him of the downfall of monarchies across Europe. The sans-culottes bring the deposed kings to this island, where they must fend for themselves, devoid of their previous privileges and grandeur. The play culminates in a chaotic and violent confrontation among the kings as they struggle for survival, reflecting their folly and impotence when stripped of power. Maréchal's work is both satirical and critical, emphasizing themes of liberty, equality, and the harsh realities faced by those once deemed powerful.
Jean Nicolas Bouilly
Léonore, ou l'amour conjugal fait historique en deux actes et en prose mêlée de chantes
"Léonore, ou l'amour conjugal" by Jean Nicolas Bouilly is a historical play written during the early 19th century. This work is structured in two acts and incorporates songs throughout, highlighting themes of love and the fight against tyranny. The narrative centers on the topic of marital devotion and the lengths to which one will go to save a loved one from oppression. Set in a gloomy prison in Spain, the story follows Léonore, who disguises herself as a man named Fidélio to rescue her husband, Florestan, an unjustly imprisoned political dissenter. As Léonore takes on the role of the jailer's assistant, she learns of her husband's imminent execution and maneuvers to save him from the clutches of the cruel governor, Dom Pizare. The climax unfolds as Léonore bravely confronts Pizare, risking her life to prevent Florestan's death. Ultimately, with the arrival of the benevolent minister Dom Fernand, justice prevails, leading to the couple’s reunion and a resolution that celebrates loyalty, courage, and the power of love.
Pigault-Lebrun
L'amour et la raison
"L'amour et la raison" by Pigault-Lebrun is a comedic play that was first performed in 1790, with a significant edition published in the early 19th century. This work is representative of the late 18th and early 19th-century French theater, characterized by its exploration of themes related to love, social conventions, and the clash between rationality and emotion. The play navigates the complexities of romantic relationships and societal expectations, particularly focusing on the tension between duty and desire. The story unfolds in the apartment of Hortense, a young widow who is torn between marrying Mondor, a much older man who was a friend of her late husband, and her feelings for her young cousin Auguste. As the plot develops, Auguste passionately confesses his love for Hortense, creating a love triangle that is complicated by Hortense's initial adherence to social obligation. Through lively dialogue and comedic misunderstandings, characters navigate their emotions, ultimately leading to an unconventional resolution where love triumphs over reason and societal pressure. The play highlights themes of youthful passion contrasted with the rationality expected in marriage, ultimately advocating for true affection over practical arrangements.
Fagan
La Pupille
"La Pupille" by Fagan is a comedic play written in the early 18th century. This piece reflects the theatrical styles and social dynamics of the French Rococo period. The story revolves around themes of love, societal expectations, and the complexities of marriage, as characters navigate romantic entanglements and the expectations from their guardians. The narrative centers on Julie, a young woman in the care of her guardian, Ariste, who is responsible for finding her a suitable husband. As various suitors, including the overly confident Marquis Valère, vie for her hand, Julie struggles with her true affections, which lie elsewhere. The interactions between the characters highlight misunderstandings and romantic desires, ultimately leading to a revelation about Julie's feelings and an agreement for her to marry Ariste, who has been quietly in love with her all along. The comedic elements arise from the misunderstandings and the light-hearted banter among the characters, making the play both entertaining and engaging.
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