Moliere is considered the world’s greatest writer of comedies . Many of his plays have also been translated for performances in English theatres, giving him a considerable reputation abroad. ... In 1643 he embarked on a theatrical venture under the title of L’Illustre Theatre, which lasted for over three years in Paris.
What is Molière known for?
Molière, original name Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, (baptized January 15, 1622, Paris, France—died February 17, 1673, Paris), French actor and playwright, the greatest of all writers of French comedy .
Who was Molière and why was he important?
The French dramatist Molière was the master of French comedy . His plays often attacked hypocrisy (pretending to possess qualities one does not actually have). He also directed, acted, and managed theater groups.
What play is Molière known for and why?
| Molière | Period 1645–1673 | Genre Comedy | Notable works Tartuffe; The Misanthrope; The Learned Women; The School for Wives ; L’Avare | Spouse Armande Béjart |
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What did Molière make fun of?
Because he mocked the upper classes, he had a lot of enemies . He also made a great enemy in the church. At one point, the Archbishop threatened that he would excommunicate anyone who saw, performed, or even read Tartuffe. Molière wrote in a time of rules.
Why was Moliere so popular?
Moliere is considered the world’s greatest writer of comedies . Many of his plays have also been translated for performances in English theatres, giving him a considerable reputation abroad. ... In 1643 he embarked on a theatrical venture under the title of L’Illustre Theatre, which lasted for over three years in Paris.
What did Molière’s father want him to become?
Moliere’s father wanted him to study to become a lawyer .
Why did Molière change his name?
In 1643 Molière renounced the hereditary post his father held and chose instead the theater . Since the life of the theater was not considered very respectable, he assumed the name “Molière” in order to spare embarrassment to his family.
What did Molière’s plays contain?
Many of Moliere’s plays are one-act comedies, performed to lighten the mood after tragic subject matter. These short plays often feature commedia dell’arte stock characters and heavy wordplay . Some of the best known include School for Husbands, Sganarelle, and The Pretentious Young Ladies.
What is romanticism in Theatre?
The predominant theatrical artistic movement from the late eighteenth century onwards, was Romanticism. This style of theatre focused on the individual actor’s imagination, emotion and appreciation of nature . Between 1750 and 1800, Romanticism took hold, and flourished between 1789 and 1843 in Europe.
What position did Molière’s father hold?
His works not only transformed French classical comedy, but eventually influenced dramatists worldwide. Born on January 15, 1622, Molière was the eldest of six children. His father, Jean Poquelin, held a permanent position as an upholsterer and furnisher of the Royal Court during the reign of King Louis XIV.
What are the themes in Tartuffe?
The main theme of Tartuffe is hypocrisy —pretending to be something one is not or claiming to believe something one does not. Some characters in the play are knowingly hypocrites—Tartuffe, the invisible Laurent, and Monsieur Loyal. Other characters—such as Orgon and his mother—do not recognize their own hypocrisy.
What was Moliere’s writing style?
Molière wrote Tartuffe in French in verse . Each line is twelve syllables long.
What was the title of the last play Moliere performed?
In 1673, during a production of his final play, The Imaginary Invalid , Molière, who suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis, was seized by a coughing fit and a haemorrhage while playing the hypochondriac Argan. He finished the performance but collapsed again and died a few hours later.
