Molière, French actor and playwright (d. 1673)

Molière: The Enduring Legacy of France's Master Playwright

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (baptised 15 January 1622 – 17 February 1673), universally known by his iconic stage name Molière, stands as one of the most significant figures in the history of French language and world literature. Renowned as an unparalleled French playwright, actor, and poet, his insightful and often satirical observations on human nature continue to resonate across centuries, solidifying his reputation as a timeless genius of comedy.

A Prolific Body of Work and Lasting Influence

Molière's extensive collection of extant works showcases his remarkable versatility. This includes numerous highly acclaimed comedies, sharp farces, compelling tragicomedies, and innovative comédie-ballets – a genre he significantly developed, blending dramatic narrative with music and dance, often tailored for elaborate court entertainments. The enduring power of his narratives and characters is evidenced by the fact that his plays have been translated into virtually every major living language. Furthermore, they remain a cornerstone of the repertoire at the prestigious Comédie-Française, where they are performed more frequently than those of any other playwright to this day. His profound impact on French culture is such that the French language itself is often affectionately referred to as "the language of Molière," underscoring his indelible contribution to its wit, vocabulary, and stylistic richness.

Early Life and Theatrical Apprenticeship

Born into a prosperous Parisian family, where his father was an upholsterer to the King, Molière received a superior education. He attended the esteemed Collège de Clermont (now known as Lycée Louis-le-Grand), a Jesuit institution that provided him with a rigorous classical schooling, preparing him intellectually for a life of letters. This academic foundation, however, soon gave way to the lure of the theatre. For thirteen formative years, Molière honed his craft as an itinerant actor, touring the French provinces. This period was crucial for developing his comedic abilities and gaining invaluable insight into popular tastes. During this time, he also began to write, masterfully integrating the vibrant, improvisational elements and stock characters of the Italian Commedia dell'arte with the more refined, witty, and character-driven French classical comedy.

The Path to Royal Acclaim in Paris

Molière's tireless dedication eventually led to a pivotal moment. Through the crucial patronage of influential aristocrats, most notably Philippe I, Duke of Orléans—the younger brother of King Louis XIV—his troupe secured a coveted command performance before the young monarch at the Louvre Palace in 1658. On this momentous occasion, Molière's company presented a tragedy by the acclaimed Pierre Corneille, followed by one of Molière's own farces, The Doctor in Love (Le Docteur amoureux). Impressed by their talent, King Louis XIV granted Molière the use of the spacious Salle du Petit-Bourbon, a theatre located conveniently near the Louvre. Later, the troupe was even granted the use of the grander theatre in the Palais-Royal. In these prestigious Parisian venues, Molière quickly achieved immense success and widespread adulation among the city's sophisticated audiences with groundbreaking plays such as The Affected Ladies (Les Précieuses ridicules), a biting satire of social pretension that marked his breakthrough, alongside The School for Husbands (L'École des maris) and The School for Wives (L'École des femmes). This exceptional royal favour also brought with it a significant royal pension for his troupe, bestowing upon them the esteemed title Troupe du Roi ("The King's Troupe"). Molière himself continued to serve as the official author of court entertainments, a testament to his unparalleled standing.

Controversies and Health Challenges

Despite enjoying the adulation of both the court and the Parisian public, Molière's sharp, often provocative satires inevitably attracted fierce criticism, particularly from powerful religious factions and conservative churchmen. His masterpiece, Tartuffe (Le Tartuffe ou l'Imposteur), a searing study of religious hypocrisy, provoked an immediate and furious backlash. The Catholic Church vehemently denounced the play, leading to its outright ban by the Parlement for several years, a testament to the play's controversial power. Similarly, Don Juan (Dom Juan ou le Festin de pierre) faced its own accusations of impiety and libertinism, resulting in its withdrawal from performance and never being restaged by Molière himself. The immense strain of fulfilling his numerous theatrical capacities – as a playwright, actor, director, and troupe manager – took a significant toll on his health. By 1667, his deteriorating condition, likely exacerbated by pulmonary tuberculosis, forced him to take a much-needed break from the stage.

A Theatrical Demise

Molière's dedication to his art remained undimmed until his final moments. In 1673, during a performance of his last play, The Imaginary Invalid (Le Malade imaginaire), a work ironically centered on a hypochondriac, Molière himself suffered a severe coughing fit and a haemorrhage while playing the central character, Argan. Demonstrating extraordinary fortitude, he managed to complete the performance, but tragically, he collapsed again shortly after the curtain fell and passed away a few hours later. His death, on stage in the role of a fictional invalid, cemented his legend as a playwright who truly gave his life to the theatre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Molière

When and where was Molière born?

Molière, originally named Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was baptised on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France.

What made Molière so influential in French literature?

Molière's influence stems from his profound insight into human character, his mastery of comedic forms, and his ability to satirize societal flaws in a universally relatable manner. His work helped shape the French language, and his plays remain foundational to French theatre.

What are some of Molière's most famous plays?

Among his most renowned works are Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, The Bourgeois Gentleman, The School for Wives, and The Imaginary Invalid.

Why was Tartuffe controversial?

Tartuffe was highly controversial because it satirized religious hypocrisy, leading to accusations of impiety from the Catholic Church and a ban by the Parlement, as it was perceived by some as an attack on religion itself rather than on false piety.

How did Molière die?

Molière died on February 17, 1673, shortly after collapsing on stage during a performance of his own play, The Imaginary Invalid, while playing the hypochondriac character Argan. He suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis and experienced a coughing fit and haemorrhage during the show.