Author Description
'Why does he write those ghastly plays that the whole of Paris flocks to see? And why does he paint such lifelike portraits that everyone recognizes themselves?' Moliere, The Impromptu at Versailles This volume brings together four of Moliere's greatest verse comedies covering the best years of his prolific writing career. Actor, director, and playwright, Moliere (1622-73) was one of the finest and most influential French dramatists, adept at portraying human foibles and puncturing pomposity. The School for Wives was his first great success; Tartuffe, condemned and banned for five years, his most controversial play. The Misanthrope is his acknowledged masterpiece, and The Clever Women his last, and perhaps best-constructed, verse piece. In addition this collection includes a spirited attack on his enemies and a defence of his theatre, in the form of two sparkling short plays, The School for Wives Criticized and The Impromptu at Versailles. Moliere's prose plays are available in a complementary Oxford World's Classics edition, Don Juan and Other Plays. About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Moliere explores the tension between individual integrity and the rigid expectations of 17th-century French high society. The protagonist of each play navigates social hypocrisy, religious affectation, or domestic control, often clashing with characters who embody the very vices Moliere seeks to expose. These works utilize a framework of verse comedy to highlight the absurdity of human behavior, presenting logical constraints where social reputation and public perception dictate the survival of the characters. The narrative structure relies on sharp dialogue and escalating misunderstandings to drive the comedic tension toward a resolution of the central conflict.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Use of rhyming alexandrine verse to structure comedic dialogue
- Satirical examination of religious hypocrisy and social pretension
- Character archetypes representing specific human foibles
- Integration of meta-theatrical elements in shorter works
- Focus on domestic power dynamics and marital expectations
- Pacing driven by verbal wit rather than physical action
- Exploration of the conflict between sincerity and social performance
- Inclusion of critical defenses of the author's artistic choices
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight Moliere's ability to balance sharp social critique with accessible, enduring humor. Discussion often centers on the timeless nature of his character studies, noting that the pomposity he satirized remains recognizable in contemporary settings. The pacing is widely praised for its rhythmic precision, which enhances the comedic impact of the dialogue. Scholars emphasize the importance of these plays in the development of Western comedy, noting that the structural integrity of his verse pieces sets a standard for the genre. Readers often find that the plays provide a clear window into the social anxieties of the 17th-century French court.
Page Count:
400
Publication Date:
2001-01-01
Publisher:
Oup Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191587362
ISBN-13:
9780191587368
Drama
Satire
Plays
French literature
Comedy
Classic Literature
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