Molière Biography

Molière really knew how to tick people off. Born in 1622, he is considered France’s answer to Shakespeare and is arguably the greatest writer of neoclassical comedy. Several of his plays drew the ire of members of the inner circles of French aristocracy. Many were scandalized by his comedy of infidelity, The School for Wives. Not content to accept the rebukes quietly, Molière wrote a short play, The School for Wives Criticized, which defended his writing and poked fun at those who opposed him. The biggest controversy, however, was precipitated by his satire of religious hypocrisy, Tartuffe. Because of the king’s close ties to the church, the play was roundly condemned. After two rewrites, Tartuffe finally debuted in an edited version several years later. It has since become a classic of world literature.

Facts and Trivia

  • The playwright was born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. He later took Molière as a stage name.
  • At one point, Molière came in close contact with an Italian theatrical troupe. The influence of the troupe’s commedia dell’arte is evident throughout his plays.
  • Molière was an actor as well as a writer. He and his wife often played the principal roles in his plays.
  • Molière collapsed onstage during a performance and died shortly thereafter. Ironically, he was performing the title role in The Imaginary Invalid, which ridiculed doctors and medicine.
  • Because of the lowly status of theater people during his time, Molière was denied a Christian burial.

Biography

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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...

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heroine. Unfortunately, Molière's health was in decline due to tuberculosis, leading to absences from the stage and sparking unfounded rumors of his death in 1668.

Final Years and Legacy

Tragedy struck in 1672 with the death of Molière's wife, Armande. The following year, while performing in "Le Malade Imaginaire" ("The Hypochondriac"), Molière collapsed on stage. He passed away later that evening, unable to receive last rites from a priest, which denied him a proper funeral due to his profession as an actor. Despite this, Molière's influence on theater and comedy endures, marking him as a pivotal figure in the development of modern comedic form.

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