Define the Following Terms: Molière

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The Answer is Molière is the pen name of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, a renowned French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. Born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France, Molière became famous for his comedies, which satirized the social and political issues of his time.

Molière's work is characterized by its sharp wit, clever dialogue, and insightful commentary on human nature and society. He tackled themes such as hypocrisy, especially religious hypocrisy, the pretentiousness of the upper classes, and the folly of human behavior. His plays often featured characters who were flawed yet relatable, and he used humor to both entertain and provoke thought among his audiences.

Some of Molière's most famous plays include:

1. "Tartuffe" (also known as "The Hypocrite") – A satire on religious hypocrisy, where the central character, Tartuffe, pretends to be pious to gain favor and manipulate a wealthy family.
2. "The Misanthrope" – A critique of the superficiality and deceitfulness of social manners and the aristocracy.
3. "The School for Wives" – A comedy that explores themes of education, love, and the relationship between the sexes.
4. "The Imaginary Invalid" (also known as "Le Malade Imaginaire") – A play that mocks the medical profession and the quackery that was prevalent at the time.

Molière's influence on French theater is profound, and his plays are still widely performed today. He is often compared to Shakespeare in the English-speaking world for his mastery of language and the enduring popularity of his works. Molière died on February 17, 1673, shortly after collapsing on stage during a performance of "The Imaginary Invalid." Despite the controversy that some of his plays generated during his lifetime, his legacy as a key figure in Western literature remains undisputed.

Define the Following Terms: Molière

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