Molière

Pierre Mignard - Portrait de Jean-Baptiste Poquelin dit Molière (1622-1673) - Google Art Project (cropped)

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, (1622 – 1673) was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and universal literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. Molière's plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed at the Comédie-Française more frequently than those of any other playwright today. His influence is such that the French language itself is often referred to as the "language of Molière".

Biography

Born in Paris, Molière was the son of Jean Poquelin and Marie Cressé, the daughter of a prosperous bourgeois family. Following his father's footsteps, Molière initially obtained a law degree before deciding to pursue a career in theatre. In 1643, he assumed the stage name Molière and together with a group of actors, founded the Illustre Théâtre, which unfortunately went bankrupt within two years, leading to Molière's imprisonment for debt. After his release, he spent several years touring the provinces with his troupe, during which he began to write plays.

Career

Molière returned to Paris in 1658 and quickly gained the favor of King Louis XIV, who afforded him the use of the Palais-Royal. Over the next fifteen years, Molière produced some of his most famous works, including Le Misanthrope, L'École des femmes, Tartuffe ou L'Imposteur, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme, and Le Malade imaginaire. Despite his success, Molière's works, particularly Tartuffe, faced censorship and public controversy due to their satirical nature and critique of social norms and the Catholic Church.

Themes and Style

Molière's writing is renowned for its wit, satire, and character development. He often used his plays to critique the hypocrisies of French society and the human condition, making his work timeless. His characters, often based on societal archetypes, are crafted with depth and complexity, allowing them to transcend the specificities of time and place.

Legacy

Molière's influence on French theater is unparalleled. He is considered the creator of modern French comedy, and his techniques have been emulated by countless playwrights worldwide. The Molière Awards, France's national theater awards, are named in his honor, celebrating excellence in French theatre. His works remain a staple of the French educational system and continue to be studied and performed globally.

Selected Works

• Le Misanthrope
• L'École des femmes
• Tartuffe ou L'Imposteur
• Le Bourgeois gentilhomme
• Le Malade imaginaire

Death

Molière died in Paris on February 17, 1673, after collapsing on stage during a performance of Le Malade imaginaire. Due to his profession as an actor, which was not held in high esteem at the time, and his controversial works, he was denied burial in sacred ground. However, the King intervened, and Molière was eventually buried in the cemetery of Saint-Joseph under the cover of night.