Molière
Early Life
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was born in Paris, France, on January 15, 1622. His father, Jean Poquelin, was a prosperous upholsterer in the service of the King. His mother, Marie Cressé, came from a bourgeois family. Molière was the eldest of six children.
Molière received his early education at the prestigious Collège de Clermont, a Jesuit institution. Here, he was exposed to the classics of Latin and Greek literature, which would later influence his own works.
Career
In 1643, Molière co-founded the Illustre Théâtre with the Béjart family. Despite initial success, the company went bankrupt in 1645. Molière was even imprisoned for debts but was released due to the intervention of his father.
In 1658, Molière's company performed in front of King Louis XIV at the Louvre. Their performance was a success, and they received the patronage of the king's brother, Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. This marked the beginning of Molière's successful career as a playwright and actor-manager.
Works
Molière's works are renowned for their wit, comic inventiveness, and social satire. His plays often targeted the pretensions of the French aristocracy and the hypocrisies of the Catholic Church. His most famous works include The School for Wives, Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, The Miser, and The Imaginary Invalid.
Legacy
Molière's influence on French theatre is immeasurable. His works are still performed and studied today, not only in France but around the world. He is considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature.
Death
Molière died on February 17, 1673, after collapsing on stage during a performance of The Imaginary Invalid. Despite his death, the play continued, with Molière's role being taken over by another actor.