Introduction

Molière's The Miser, titled L'Avare in French, is a five-act comedic play that was first performed in Paris in 1668. Molière, a renowned French playwright of the 17th century, was known for his sharp wit and social critiques.

Though heavily influenced by Classical comedies of the ancient Greeks and Romans, The Miser is a product of its time. The play is set amidst the rising bourgeoisie in France and explores the societal obsession with wealth and its corrosive effects on family relationships. Through humor and satire, Molière exposes the absurdity of greed and the lengths people go to pursue it.

Plot Summary

The play opens with Élise and Valère, who are secretly in love. Élise fears her father Harpagon's disapproval. A clever young man, Valère has become their family's servant to be close to Élise. They discuss gaining the approval of Cléante, Élise's brother.

Cléante is in love with a young woman named Marianne. Cléante complains about their father's stinginess, which prevents him from helping Marianne's struggling family and hinders his ability to live comfortably. Élise expresses shares her frustration with their father's miserliness. They agree to "join our forces to make a common attack on his hard and unkind heart."

Meanwhile, Harpagon, the miserly father, angrily dismisses the servant La Flèche, suspecting him of theft. La Flèche mocks Harpagon's paranoia and stinginess. Harpagon frets about finding a secure hiding place for his money, unconvinced of traditional methods like safes that he believes attract thieves. He buries his money in the garden.

His anxiety over money knows no limits. After Harpagon accidentally reveals he has hidden ten thousand crowns, he worries his children overheard him. He complains about their expensive lifestyle and accuses Cléante of thievery. Cléante claims to win money gambling. When they bring up marriage, Harpagon surprisingly announces his plan to marry Marianne, prioritizing her frugal nature over a dowry. Cléante is shocked at his father's plan.

Despite her strong objections, Harpagon insists on marrying Élise to a wealthy older man, Anselme. Élise argues that the marriage is unreasonable, but Harpagon is unimpressed. He calls upon Valère to mediate. Valère, aware of Harpagon's obsession with money, feigns agreement throughout the conversation. He emphasizes the benefit of not providing a dowry and silences any objections Élise raises about her happiness or suitability with the much older groom.

After Harpagon leaves the room, Valère explains to Élise that they should manipulate Harpagon by pretending to agree to his proposal. Knowing that Harpagon is eavesdropping, Valère praises the virtue of frugalness while convincing Élise to play along. Harpagon, completely fooled, admires Valère's devotion to his penny-pinching principles.

In Act 2, Cléante approaches the loan broker, Mr. Simon. He hopes to borrow money to help Mariane and her impoverished mother. However, the loan comes with outrageous interest rates. Mr. Simon unknowingly arranges a meeting between Cléante and Harpagon, who is actually the moneylender. When they recognize each other, both are shocked and accuse the other of being reckless and greedy.

Harpagon goes to the socialite and matchmaker Frosine to arrange the details of a party in honor of his intended bride, Marianne. Harpagon remains stingy throughout the conversation, but Frosine is persistent. Frosine is ultimately unsuccessful in getting money from Harpagon directly, but she remains determined to see the marriage through.

In Act 3, Harpagon prepares for the dinner party. The miser instructs his servants on their various duties while emphasizing frugality above all else. He wants clean furniture but fears wear. He expects fancy servings with minimal water and demands a large meal despite having few guests. 

His...