First published in 1921, this volume analyses the life and works of the celebrated French dramatist Molière. The emphasis is on providing the reader with an understanding of the playwright's characteristic genius, with particular concentration on the common sense attributes that gave his comedy universal appeal. This approach is also seen as the driving force behind the moral perspective of the plays as, rather than engaging with lofty sentiments reserved for the few, Molière takes the viewpoint of those involved in the human community when describing them. Beginning with the known facts about his life, the text then moves through his works, providing a detailed and rigorous examination of each area. This is a highly readable study that will be of value to anyone with an interest in drama, French literature, and the history of literary criticism.
1. Life; 2. Experiments; 3. L'école des femmes and its critics; 4. Tartuffe; 5. Don Juan; 6. Le misanthrope; 7. Amphitryon, George Dandin, l'avare; 8. Le bourgeois gentilhomme and comédie-ballet; 9. Les femmes savantes; 10. Le malade imaginaire; 11. Comedy and character; 12. Construction, style, and moral teaching; Index.
Overview
First published in 1921, this volume analyses the life and works of the celebrated French dramatist Molière. The emphasis is on providing the reader with an understanding of the playwright's characteristic genius, with particular concentration on the common sense attributes that gave his comedy universal appeal. This approach is also seen as the driving force behind the moral perspective of the plays as, rather than engaging with lofty sentiments reserved for the few, Molière takes the viewpoint of those involved...