Molière, originally Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, emerged as one of France's most
illustrious playwrights, despite a life filled with both triumphs and
challenges. Born to a family with royal connections, he initially pursued a
legal career, but soon followed his passion for theater. Overcoming financial
and social obstacles, he established himself as a celebrated figure in the
world of French comedy.
Early Life and Education
Baptized on January 15, 1622, in Paris, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin was the son
of Jean Poquelin, a prosperous furniture merchant who held a prestigious
position as the chief provider of furnishings for King Louis XIV's residence.
His mother, Marie Cresse, passed away when he was merely ten years old, an
event that marked his early childhood with loss. Two years later,
Jean-Baptiste's father remarried, bringing additional changes to his family
life. Molière's education took place at the Jesuit College de Clermont, a
foundation that provided him with a comprehensive scholarly background. He
later delved into legal studies, gaining admission to the Bar by 1641. However,
law did not captivate him, and after six months of practice, he turned to his
father to announce his true calling: the theater.
Theater Beginnings and Challenges
In 1643, Jean-Baptiste made a decisive move into the theater world by
joining the newly formed L'Illustre Théâtre. It was during this period that he
adopted the stage name Molière, under which he became known to history.
Financial difficulties soon befell the company, leading to Molière's brief
imprisonment for debt in 1645. Resolute in his ambition, he joined forces with
members of the original troupe to form a touring company, traveling across
southern France for about thirteen years. This period on the road honed
Molière's theatrical skills and exposed him to diverse audiences and regional
tastes.
Success in Paris and Royal Patronage
By 1655, Molière had penned his first five-act comedy, marking the beginning
of his enduring legacy as a playwright. The troupe's reputation grew, and in
1658 they relocated to Paris, where they performed before King Louis XIV,
presenting Molière's farce "Le Docteur Amoureux" ("The Amorous Doctor"). The
performance delighted the king, securing the company the patronage of the
king's younger brother, who was known as "Monsieur." Subsequently, they became
known as the "troupe de Monsieur," and were granted shared performance space in
the Petit-Bourbon with an Italian theater group. Molière achieved significant
success with his play "Les Précieuses Ridicules" ("Such Foolish Affected
Ladies") in 1659, which captivated audiences and critics alike.
Marriage and Controversy
In 1662, at the age of forty, Molière married Armande Béjart, a young
actress of nineteen. That same year, his comedy "L'École des Femmes" ("The
School for Wives") enjoyed widespread success, though it sparked a year-long
controversy with its bold themes. Molière's connection to the royal court was
further solidified in 1663 when he was awarded a royal pension, and in 1664,
King Louis XIV became the godfather to his firstborn son, Louis, though the
child tragically died within a year. The year 1664 also saw the beginning of
the contentious debate surrounding "Tartuffe," a play that faced censure due to
its perceived critique of religious hypocrisy. Despite the king's initial
amusement, external pressures led to its temporary ban.
Later Works and Health Decline
Undeterred by censorship battles, Molière continued to produce works, including "Don Juan," which stirred controversy after just fifteen performances in 1665 but was never officially banned. During this period, his troupe garnered the king's patronage, and Molière's pension was significantly increased. "The Misanthrope," performed in 1666 at the Palais-Royal Theatre, featured Molière in the leading role of Alceste, along with his wife as Célimène, the coquettish...