Subject
French drama (Comedy) -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Molière
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.
Molière
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.
Molière
The Blunderer
"The Blunderer" by Molière is a five-act comedy first performed in 1655. A clever servant named Mascarille devises elaborate schemes to help his master Lelio win the heart of Celia, a young woman enslaved by a miserly old man. But there's one persistent problem: Lelio himself keeps accidentally sabotaging every plan. Through disguises, fake deaths, stolen purses, and mistaken identities, the servant struggles against his master's well-meaning but disastrous interventions in this tale of romantic pursuit and comedic mishaps.
Molière
The Bores: A Comedy in Three Acts
"The Bores: A Comedy in Three Acts" by Molière is a character-based comedic play written in the 17th century, specifically during the early Baroque period in France. The play explores the theme of annoyance and frustration stemming from various "bore" characters, depicted in an exaggerated manner to reflect the troublesome individuals one encounters in society. In "The Bores," the protagonist Éraste, who is in love with Orphise, faces a barrage of irritating characters that disrupt his attempts to connect with her. Throughout the three acts, Éraste narrates his struggles against various boors including Alcidor, Lisandre, and other self-important individuals who monopolize conversation and thwart his romantic endeavors. As the comedy unfolds, Molière uses witty dialogue and humorous situations to critique social manners and highlight the absurdity of the characters' behavior. Ultimately, the play blends lighthearted entertainment with a satirical commentary on social pretensions and the trials of love, culminating in a resolution that allows Éraste to triumph over the numerous disruptions.
Molière
The Love-Tiff
"The Love-Tiff" by Molière is a comedic play written in the mid-17th century. This work is a blend of intrigue and romantic tension, centered around a series of misunderstandings and mistaken identities that lead to various humorous situations. The main characters include Éraste, who is in love with Lucile, along with their friends and rivals who complicate the romantic dynamics. The beginning of "The Love-Tiff" introduces us to Éraste and his servant Gros-René, who discuss Éraste's insecurities about Lucile's feelings in the presence of a potential rival named Valère. Their conversation reveals Éraste's jealousy and doubt, setting the tone for the unfolding drama. As Éraste reflects on the possible affections of others towards Lucile, we see the introduction of several other characters, including Marinette and Mascarille, who contribute to the love entanglements and witty exchanges characteristic of Molière's work. This opening effectively establishes the comedic misunderstandings that will drive the plot forward, hinting at the romantic rivalries, secrets, and eventual reconciliations that are to come.
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