Subject
Molière, 1622-1673 -- Translations into English Books
Best books
Molière
The Imaginary Invalid
"The Imaginary Invalid" by Molière is a three-act comédie-ballet premiered in 1673. Argan, a severe hypochondriac, plans to marry his daughter Angélique to a doctor's son to ensure constant medical care. However, Angélique loves another man, and her witty maid Toinette schemes to foil both Argan's plans and his manipulative second wife's attempts to secure his inheritance. This satirical comedy mocks medical quackery while exploring family conflicts driven by obsession, greed, and love.
Molière
The Miser
"The Miser" by Molière is a five-act comedy first performed in 1668. The play centers on Harpagon, an elderly widower consumed by greed, who guards his gold obsessively while plotting marriages for himself and his daughter. He remains oblivious that his intended bride loves his own son, or that his daughter has her own romantic attachment. When Harpagon's treasured cash box is stolen, his paranoia explodes, and he suspects everyone—even the audience. Through sharp satire and farce, Molière crafts a timeless portrait of avarice and its absurd consequences.
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 Learned Women
"The Learned Women" by Molière is a comedy written in verse and premiered in 1672. This satirical play targets academic pretension and intellectual affectation through the story of young lovers Henriette and Clitandre, who must navigate a formidable obstacle: Henriette's family. Her mother, aunt, and sister are obsessed with learning and culture of the most pretentious kind, insisting Henriette marry Trissotin, a mediocre poet who has captivated their literary salon. Against her father's wishes but powerless against his domineering wife, the couple must find a way to overcome this absurd impediment.
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
Psyche
"Psyche" by Molière is a tragédie-ballet created in 1671. Born from a collaboration among Molière, Pierre Corneille, and Philippe Quinault, with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, this spectacular work retells the ancient tale of Cupid and Psyche. When the beautiful Psyche is condemned to be sacrificed to a monster, she instead finds herself mysteriously transported to a magnificent palace and courted by a mysterious lover. But jealous sisters and vengeful gods conspire against her happiness, leading to a perilous journey through the underworld itself.
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
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
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 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.
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