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Molière

2013-07-16T16:43:08Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

== Life ==

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well [http://www.britannica.com/], he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it (Brodowsky 162).

In 1643, he, his mistress Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called L’Illustre Théâtre. Due to financial problems the group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Poquelin used his stage name Molière for the first time [http://www.britannica.com/].

In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV, became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They played for the King and his royal household. Later Louis XIV patronised the company, then known as “troupe du roi”. This also brought a rise in cultural capital, social prestige and popular success [http://www.britannica.com]. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of Madeleine. Louis XIV was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.

In 1673, Molière died after a long illness. The final dying stages actually came on stage. While he was acting the title role in ''Le Malade Imaginaire'' (''The Imaginary Invalid'').

== Comedies ==

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian ''Commedia dell`arte'', fascinated by its central elements of improvisation and exaggeration. Therefore, the characters in his plays are exaggerated in their behaviour. As an example, in his play ''The Miser'' ('' L`Avare'') Harpagon, the main character, is so miserly that he is only interested in defending his property. He mistrusts everyone, including his children, and in the end, the fear of losing his property drives him to insanity.

In contrast to the ''Commedia dell`arte'', in which human weaknesses of character are ridiculed, but the protagonists were not harmed, in Molière`s plays they are not able to live a “normal” life and distance themselves from humanity.
Most of Molière`s plays take place in contemporary Paris and offered satirical representations of Parisian society.
He did not stick to the upper class but in his plays there are stupid as well as prudent characters from all social classes.

Some of the most well-known comedies:

''The School for Husbands'' (''L`école de maris'') (1661)

''The School for Wives'' (''L`École des femmes'') (1662)

''The Forced Marriage'' (''Le Mariage forcé'') (1664)

''The Princess of Elida'' (''La Princesse d`Élide'') (1664)

''Tartuffe'' (''Le Tartuffe; ou l`imposteur'') (1664, 1667, 1669)

''Don Juan'' (''Don Juan'') (1665)

''Love's Cure-All'' (''L`Amour médecin'') (1665)

''The Misanthrope'' ('' Le Misanthrope'') (1666)

''A Doctor Despite Himself'' (''Le Médecin malgré hui'') (1666)

''Mélicerte'' (''Mélicerte'') (1666)

''The Sicilian'' (''Le Sicilien'') (1667)

''The Miser'' (''L`Avare'') (1668)

''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'' (''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'') (1669)

''The Magnificent Suitors'' (''Les Amants magnifiques'') (1670)

''Psyche'' (''Psyché'') (1671).

''Scapin's Schemings'' (''Les Fourberies de Scapin'') (1671)

''A Pretentious Countess'' (''La Comtesse d`Escarbagnas'') (1671)

''Learned Ladies'' (''Les Femmes savantes'') (1672)

''The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid'' (''Le Malade imaginaire'') (1673)

== Sources ==

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners>

"Molière." Site Molière. 08. July 2013 <http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/>

Brodowsky, Paul, et al. (eds). ''Weltliteratur II: Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung''. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. ''Molière''. München: Piper, 1987.

Howarth, William D. ''Molière: A Playwright and His Audience''. Cambridge: CUP, 1982.

== Further Reading ==

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

Molière

2013-07-16T16:41:03Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

== Life ==

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well [http://www.britannica.com/], he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it (Brodowsky 162).

In 1643, he, his mistress Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called L’Illustre Théâtre. Due to financial problems the group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Poquelin used his stage name Molière for the first time (http://www.britannica.com/).

In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV, became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They played for the King and his royal household. Later Louis XIV patronised the company, then known as “troupe du roi”. This also brought a rise in cultural capital, social prestige and popular success [http://www.britannica.comcomedy]. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of Madeleine. Louis XIV was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.

In 1673, Molière died after a long illness. The final dying stages actually came on stage. While he was acting the title role in ''Le Malade Imaginaire'' (''The Imaginary Invalid'').

== Comedies ==

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian ''Commedia dell`arte'', fascinated by its central elements of improvisation and exaggeration. Therefore, the characters in his plays are exaggerated in their behaviour. As an example, in his play ''The Miser'' ('' L`Avare'') Harpagon, the main character, is so miserly that he is only interested in defending his property. He mistrusts everyone, including his children, and in the end, the fear of losing his property drives him to insanity.

In contrast to the ''Commedia dell`arte'', in which human weaknesses of character are ridiculed, but the protagonists were not harmed, in Molière`s plays they are not able to live a “normal” life and distance themselves from humanity.
Most of Molière`s plays take place in contemporary Paris and offered satirical representations of Parisian society.
He did not stick to the upper class but in his plays there are stupid as well as prudent characters from all social classes.

Some of the most well-known comedies:

''The School for Husbands'' (''L`école de maris'') (1661)

''The School for Wives'' (''L`École des femmes'') (1662)

''The Forced Marriage'' (''Le Mariage forcé'') (1664)

''The Princess of Elida'' (''La Princesse d`Élide'') (1664)

''Tartuffe'' (''Le Tartuffe; ou l`imposteur'') (1664, 1667, 1669)

''Don Juan'' (''Don Juan'') (1665)

''Love's Cure-All'' (''L`Amour médecin'') (1665)

''The Misanthrope'' ('' Le Misanthrope'') (1666)

''A Doctor Despite Himself'' (''Le Médecin malgré hui'') (1666)

''Mélicerte'' (''Mélicerte'') (1666)

''The Sicilian'' (''Le Sicilien'') (1667)

''The Miser'' (''L`Avare'') (1668)

''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'' (''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'') (1669)

''The Magnificent Suitors'' (''Les Amants magnifiques'') (1670)

''Psyche'' (''Psyché'') (1671).

''Scapin's Schemings'' (''Les Fourberies de Scapin'') (1671)

''A Pretentious Countess'' (''La Comtesse d`Escarbagnas'') (1671)

''Learned Ladies'' (''Les Femmes savantes'') (1672)

''The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid'' (''Le Malade imaginaire'') (1673)

== Sources ==

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners>

"Molière." Site Molière. 08. July 2013 <http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/>

Brodowsky, Paul, et al. (eds). ''Weltliteratur II: Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung''. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. ''Molière''. München: Piper, 1987.

Howarth, William D. ''Molière: A Playwright and His Audience''. Cambridge: CUP, 1982.

== Further Reading ==

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

Molière

2013-07-16T16:40:14Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

== Life ==

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well [http://www.britannica.com/], he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it (Brodowsky 162).

In 1643, he, his mistress Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called L’Illustre Théâtre. Due to financial problems the group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Poquelin used his stage name Molière for the first time (http://www.britannica.com/).

In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV, became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They played for the King and his royal household. Later Louis XIV patronised the company, then known as “troupe du roi”. This also brought a rise in cultural capital, social prestige and popular success [http://www.britannica.com]. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of Madeleine. Louis XIV was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.

In 1673, Molière died after a long illness. The final dying stages actually came on stage. While he was acting the title role in ''Le Malade Imaginaire'' (''The Imaginary Invalid'').

== Comedies ==

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian ''Commedia dell`arte'', fascinated by its central elements of improvisation and exaggeration. Therefore, the characters in his plays are exaggerated in their behaviour. As an example, in his play ''The Miser'' ('' L`Avare'') Harpagon, the main character, is so miserly that he is only interested in defending his property. He mistrusts everyone, including his children, and in the end, the fear of losing his property drives him to insanity.

In contrast to the ''Commedia dell`arte'', in which human weaknesses of character are ridiculed, but the protagonists were not harmed, in Molière`s plays they are not able to live a “normal” life and distance themselves from humanity.
Most of Molière`s plays take place in contemporary Paris and offered satirical representations of Parisian society.
He did not stick to the upper class but in his plays there are stupid as well as prudent characters from all social classes.

Some of the most well-known comedies:

''The School for Husbands'' (''L`école de maris'') (1661)

''The School for Wives'' (''L`École des femmes'') (1662)

''The Forced Marriage'' (''Le Mariage forcé'') (1664)

''The Princess of Elida'' (''La Princesse d`Élide'') (1664)

''Tartuffe'' (''Le Tartuffe; ou l`imposteur'') (1664, 1667, 1669)

''Don Juan'' (''Don Juan'') (1665)

''Love's Cure-All'' (''L`Amour médecin'') (1665)

''The Misanthrope'' ('' Le Misanthrope'') (1666)

''A Doctor Despite Himself'' (''Le Médecin malgré hui'') (1666)

''Mélicerte'' (''Mélicerte'') (1666)

''The Sicilian'' (''Le Sicilien'') (1667)

''The Miser'' (''L`Avare'') (1668)

''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'' (''Monsieur de Pourceaugnac'') (1669)

''The Magnificent Suitors'' (''Les Amants magnifiques'') (1670)

''Psyche'' (''Psyché'') (1671).

''Scapin's Schemings'' (''Les Fourberies de Scapin'') (1671)

''A Pretentious Countess'' (''La Comtesse d`Escarbagnas'') (1671)

''Learned Ladies'' (''Les Femmes savantes'') (1672)

''The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid'' (''Le Malade imaginaire'') (1673)

== Sources ==

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

"Molière." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2013. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08. July 2013 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners>

"
"Molière." Site Molière. 08. July 2013 <http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/>

Brodowsky, Paul, et al. (eds). ''Weltliteratur II: Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung''. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. ''Molière''. München: Piper, 1987.

Howarth, William D. ''Molière: A Playwright and His Audience''. Cambridge: CUP, 1982.

== Further Reading ==

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

Molière

2013-07-10T21:23:41Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

Life

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well '''[source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere/12109/Beginnings-in-theatre]''', he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it. '''[source: Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds).: 162]
'''
In 1643, he, his girlfriend Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called “L’Illustre Théâtre”. Due to financial problems the drama group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Poquelin used his stage name Molière for the first time. '''[source: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere/12109/Beginnings-in-theatre]'''
In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV, became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They played for the King and his royal household. From then on, Molière and King Louis XIV had an intensive relationship The King`s brother, Philippe, duc d`Orléans, became their patron and later King Louis XIV took absorbed the company which was known as “Troupe du roi” and supported Molière. Because of that the group got popular and were highly esteemed. sources: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere/12109/Beginnings-in-theatre]. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of his mistress Madeleine. Louis XIV was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.
In 1673, Molière died after a long illness.

Comedies

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell`arte, fascinated by its central elements of improvisation and exaggeration. Therefore, the characters in his plays are exaggerated in their behaviour. As an example, in his play The Miser (French: L`Avare) Harpagon, the main character, is so miserly that he is only interested in defending his property. He mistrusts everyone, including his children, and in the end, the fear of losing his property drives him to insanity.
In contrast to the Italian Commedia dell`arte, in which human weaknesses of character are ridiculed, but the protagonists were not harmed, in Molière`s plays they are not able to live a “normal” life and distance themselves from humanity.
Most of Molière`s plays take place in Paris at that time. He mainly focused on representatives of Parisian society and on their weaknesses and obsessions. In fact, he ridiculed his audience, thereby creating a new type of comedy that was related to the world outside the theatre.
He did not stick to the upper class but in his plays there are stupid as well as prudent characters in all social classes. As Molière`s plays were concerned with human behavior and character, he is a popular representative of the comedy of manners. This genre satires the manners of a certain society.

Among his plays are:

The School for Husbands (French: L`école de maris) (1661)
The School for Wives (French: L`École des femmes) (1662)
The Forced Marriage (French: Le Mariage forcé) (1664)
The Princess of Elida (French: La Princesse d`Élide) (1664)
Tartuffe (French: Le Tartuffe; ou l`imposteur) (1664, 1667, 1669)
Don Juan (French: Don Juan) (1665)
Love's Cure-All (French: L`Amour médecin) (1665)
The Misanthrope (French: Le Misanthrope) (1666)
A Doctor Despite Himself (French: Le Médecin malgré hui) (1666)
Mélicerte (French: Mélicerte) (1666)
The Sicilian (French: Le Sicilien) (1667)
The Miser (French: L`Avare) (1668)
Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (French: Monsieur de Pourceaugnac) (1669)
The Magnificent Suitors (French: Les Amants magnifiques) (1670)
Psyche (French: Psyché) (1671).
Scapin's Schemings (French: Les Fourberies de Scapin) (1671)
A Pretentious Countess (French: La Comtesse d`Escarbagnas) (1671)
Learned Ladies (French: Les Femmes savantes) (1672)
The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid (French: Le Malade imaginaire) (1673)

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners

http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/

Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds). ''Weltliteratur II. Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung''. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. ''Molière''. München: Piper, 1987.

Howarth, William D.: Molière. A Playwright and his Audience. Cambridge: CUP, 1982.

Further Reading:

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

Molière

2013-07-10T21:11:12Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

Life

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well '''[source: www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic388302/Molière]''', he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it. '''[source: Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds).: 162]
'''
In 1643, he, his girlfriend Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called “L’Illustre Théâtre”. Due to financial problems the drama group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Poquelin used his stage name Molière for the first time. '''[source: www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere]'''
In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV, became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They played for the King and his royal household. From then on, Molière and King Louis XIV had an intensive relationship The King`s brother, Philippe, duc d`Orléans, became their patron and later King Louis XIV took absorbed the company which was known as “Troupe du roi” and supported Molière. Because of that the group got popular and were highly esteemed. sources: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere/12109/Beginnings-in-theatre]. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of his mistress Madeleine. Louis XIV was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.
In 1673, Molière died after a long illness.

Comedies

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian ''Commedia dell`arte'', fascinated by its central elements of improvisation and exaggeration. As he was interested in human nature and in everyday life '''[sources??]''' events rather than in strange events he copied the widespread hypocrisy of preciosity '''[what is this??]''' and ridiculed it. Thus, Molière`s plays, in particular the later ones, focus on human nature. '''[no, they do not. "Preciosity" is not in human nature. Please revise]'''

Among his plays are:

The School for Husbands (French: L`école de maris) (1661)
The School for Wives (French: L`École des femmes) (1662)
The Forced Marriage (French: Le Mariage forcé) (1664)
The Princess of Elida (French: La Princesse d`Élide) (1664)
Tartuffe (French: Le Tartuffe; ou l`imposteur) (1664, 1667, 1669)
Don Juan (French: Don Juan) (1665)
Love's Cure-All (French: L`Amour médecin) (1665)
The Misanthrope (French: Le Misanthrope) (1666)
A Doctor Despite Himself (French: Le Médecin malgré hui) (1666)
Mélicerte (French: Mélicerte) (1666)
The Sicilian (French: Le Sicilien) (1667)
The Miser (French: L`Avare) (1668)
Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (French: Monsieur de Pourceaugnac) (1669)
The Magnificent Suitors (French: Les Amants magnifiques) (1670)
Psyche (French: Psyché) (1671).
Scapin's Schemings (French: Les Fourberies de Scapin) (1671)
A Pretentious Countess (French: La Comtesse d`Escarbagnas) (1671)
Learned Ladies (French: Les Femmes savantes) (1672)
The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid (French: Le Malade imaginaire) (1673)

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners

http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/

Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds). ''Weltliteratur II. Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung''. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. ''Molière''. München: Piper, 1987.

Howarth, William D.: Molière. A Playwright and his Audience. Cambridge: CUP, 1982.

Further Reading:

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

Molière

2013-06-25T18:42:31Z

Marienkaefer:

alias Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622-1673). French playwright, actor and theatre manager. In the Restoration his plays were very often adapted for the English stage and proved a decisive influence. [[William Wycherley]]'s ''The Plain Dealer'', for instance, takes central elements from Molière's ''Le Misanthrope'' (1666).

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (1622 – 1673) was a popular French actor and playwright. He is famous for his comedies as he did not only stick to the traditional forms but invented a new style. Therefore, he is said to be “the greatest of all writers of French comedy.” (www.britannica.com)

His Life

Molière was born in Paris as the oldest son of Jean Poquelin, an upholsterer and Marie Cressé. Little is known about his early years. He went to the Collège de Clermont where he was taught how to dance and to foil fence. Even though his father wanted him to work as an upholsterer as well, he decided to work in a theatre. As a child, he went to the theatre regularly with his grandfather who was passionate about it.
In 1643, he, his girlfriend Madeleine Béjart, her family and some friends set up a drama group called “L’Illustre Théâtre”. Due to financial problems the drama group left Paris and travelled throughout the country. In 1644, Molière used his stage name for the first time.
In 1658, the group returned to Paris. As Philippe d`Orléans, the only brother of King Louis XIV., became Molière`s patron, he was more successful this time. They were even allowed to play Nicomède for the King and his royal household. From then on, Molière and King Louis XIV had an intensive relationship. In 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the sister of his mistress Madeleine. King Louis XIV. was the godfather of their son who was born two years later.
In 1673, Molière died after a long illness.

His Comedies

Between 1658 and 1673, Molière wrote about thirty plays. He was influenced by the Italian Commedia dell`arte and developed it even further. He was also
fascinated by the improvisation as an important part of Italian comedy. Plus, he liked that the characters were presented in an exaggerated way. As he was interested in human nature and in everyday life events rather than in strange events he copied the widespread hypocrisy of preciosity and ridiculed it. Thus, Molière`s plays, in particular the later ones, focus on human nature.
They ridicule the characters` unsocial and selfish behaviour by as the characters are represented in an exaggerated way. Molière is said to be one of the greatest playwright of the comedy of manner. This form of comedy satirizes the affectation of the upper-classes. But some of his plays such as “A Lovers' Quarrel“ (1656). belong to the comedy of intrigue. Typical of this type is that the characters are marionettes that experience a series of improbable events that cause the comic. They do not act, but rather react to the incidents.
He also used satire a lot. Because of that, his plays were often harshly criticized. His comedy “Tartuffe” was even banned from public performance for five years.
He invented a new style of comedy as he was the first one who set the double vision of wise and silly or real and false in relation to each other.

Molière`s Comedy in Britain

Molière`s comedy style had an impact on Restoration comedy in England as he influenced English playwrights such as Sir George Etherege and William Wycherley. They were the first to introduce Molière`s comedy to Restoration theatre. Etherege was fascinated by Molière`s “Les Précieuses Ridicules” as it was more vital therefore and aroused more enthusiasm than plays by English playwrights such as “The Wild Gallant” by John Dryden. In 1664, Etherege produced his first comedy “Love in a Tub” which turned out to be successful.
William Wycherley spent five years in France. Even after his return to England he followed Molière`s career and took over French comedy in his own plays. This becomes already clear in his first play “Love in a Wood” (1671) where he transcribes contemporary social life closely. It was a huge success and even the King became interested in him and his welfare.
With Etherege and Wycherley being the starting point, more playwrights such as Thomas Shadwell, John Crowne and even John Dryden were influenced by Molière`s comedy.

Among his plays are:

The School for Husbands (1661)
The Nuisances (1661)
The School for Wives (1662)
The Forced Wedding (1664)
The Princess of Elida (1664)
Tartuffe (1664, 1667, 1669)
Don Juan (1665)
Love's Cure-All (1665)
The Misanthrope (1666)
A Doctor Despite Himself (1666)
Mélicerte (1666)
The Sicilian (1667)
The Confounded Husband (1668)
The Miser (1668)
Monsieur de Pourceaugnac (1669)
The Magnificent Suitors (1670)
Psyche (1671).
Scapin's Schemings (1671)
A Pretentious Countess (1671)
Learned Ladies (1672)
The Hypochondriac, or The Imaginary Invalid (1673)

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/388302/Moliere

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/362554/comedy-of-manners

http://www.site-moliere.com/bio/

Brodowsky, Paul, et al (Eds). Weltliteratur II. Vom Mittelalter zur Aufklärung. Bockenem: Universitätsverlag Hildesheim, 2009.

Hösle, Johannes. Molière. Kempen: Piper, 1987.

Miles, Dudley Howe. The Influence of Molière on Restoration Comedy. New York: The Columbia University Press, 1910.

Further Reading:

Knutson, Harold C. ''The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy''. Columbus: Ohio State University Press, 1988.

[[Category:Expansion]]

Parliament

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Political Institution going back to the Middle Ages. Divided into [[House of Commons]] and [[House of Lords]]. In the 17th century Parliament opposed the monarch (see: [[Charles I]], [[Civil War]], [[Oliver Cromwell]]). After the [[Glorious Revolution]] in 1688 it more and more came to dominate politics.

* [[UK Parliament]] (Westminster Parliament)

Devolved national parliaments (with limited rights of legislation):
* [[Scottish Parliament]]
* [[National Assembly for Wales]]

First mention of the term in 1236, then just referring to a council of advisors to the monarch.

I) The Parliament and Charles II (1660- 1685)

After returning from exile in 1660, Charles II declared himself King in the Declaration of Breda. Thereby, he promised that a Parliament will be set up to represent the common people. It was meant to be a counterpart to the king. The bicameral structure, which was introduced in the 14th century, was still present. The Parliament still consisted of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Compared to the House of Commons the House of Lords was rather small with a total number of 132 members in November 1661. The relationship between the members of the House of Lords and the king had been close since the early modern period and Charles II stuck to that tradition.
Despite his promise that Parliament would be independent from the monarch, Charles II still had the power to convene, adjourne and dissolve the Parliament when he wanted. He was only restricted by the Triennial Act.
Therefore, the relationship between the king and the Parliament was conflictual.
Furthermore, while Charles aligned himself with the Catholic French King Louis XIV, most of the Parliamentarians were strictly anti-Catholic.
In 1672 Charles II passed the Act of Indulgence which was harshly criticised by the Parliament.
After passing the 2nd Test Act in 1678 the Parliament was finally dissolved by Charles II.
In 1679, a new Parliament was set up. It was again dissolved by Charles II as the majority of its members wanted Charles`s Catholic brother to be excluded from succession of throne.
While Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, started a petition to force the king to set up a new Parliament and exclude Charles` brother from the line of succession, other members of the Parliament supported the King. These opposite groups which became known as Whigs and Tories were the ancestors of the later political parties. Whereas the Whigs wanted the royal power to be restricted the Tories supported the King.
After this Parliament had again been dissolved by the King in hope for a more favourable one, the old lines of conflict dominated yet another Parliament with the majority of the members of the House of Common supporting a bill to exclude Charles` brother from the succession and the majority of the members of the House of Lords being strictly opposed to that.
With the situation deteriorating and England being on the edge of another civil war, Charles II convened a third Parliament in March 1861, but he dissolved it after just one week. From then on, he reigned without a Parliament until his death in 1865.

II) The Parliament and James II (1685- 1688)

After Charles` death his brother James II inherited the throne. As he stuck to Catholicism he discriminated against the Whigs and preferred the Tories as his political partners. However, more and more suspiciousness grew among the Tories as James II insisted in enlarging his army. According to him, there was a great risk of revolution and he wanted to be prepared.
James II wanted to abolish the Test Acts but he needed the help of Parliament which refused to support him. As a consequence, James II dissolved the Parliament in 1687 and decided to have a new one that consisted mainly of Whigs. He hoped that they would support his pro-Catholic politics.
In November 1688, William of Orange invaded in Britain and James II went into exile.

III) The Parliament and William of Orange (1689- 1702)

In January 1689 the Convention Parliament met and chose William of Orange and his wife Mary Stuart to succeed James II. to the throne. Even though no Parliament existed at that time, politicians agreed that a Parliament was necessary to ensure political stability. England was still a monarchy but the Parliament had an important part as well. Therefore, the coronation oath of William and Mary said that they had to reign “according to the statuses in Parliament agreed on” (Maurer 226). This marked the beginning of the modern parliamentary system.
In December 1689 the Bill of Rights was passed declaring the rights of the King as well as those of the Parliament. Because of the Bill of Rights Parliament gained political influence.
In the same year the Parliament passed the Act of Toleration that was meant to defuse religious riots by strengthening the rights of Dissenters.
As William was suspected to be an autocrat Parliament made sure that he did not gain too much power.
The Parliament had full control over the state’s finances and could thus decide whether taxes were to be collected or not. This right served as a political instrument to put the king under pressure. As an example, the Parliament of 1690 granted him the customs revews for four years only.
William was involved in many wars and, hence, had a large army. The Parliament did not want to finance that and asked him to shrink the army. William, again, proposed the introduction of the Civil List which meant that the royal family was given a fixed amount of money to spend on their own.
In 1694, William renewed and revised the Triennial Act. From then on the Parliament did not only have to be convened every three years, but, each Parliament was also limited to three years.
The Act of Settlement was even more important. It gave the Parliament the power to determine who would inherit the throne in case of William’s death. It was the first time in British history that Parliament had the legal power to decide about the succession to the throne.
In 1695, Parliament abolished the censorship of the press.
On March 8th 1702, William had an accident and died.

IV) The Parliament and Queen Anne (1702- 1714)

Anne, the Protestant daughter of James II, was the successor of William of Orange.
However, Parliament refused to give up its newly acquired custodianship and, hence, passed the Regency Act in 1707. This Act stated that Parliament continues if the monarch dies. Due to the Triennial Act, elections took place regularly. As a consequence, the members of Parliament had to determine policies in accordance with the voters’ needs in order to secure their reelection and legitimize the Parliament’s position.
In 1711 the Parliament decided that 50 new churches are to be build in the suburbs of London.
In 1711 and 1714, Parliament passed two laws that allowed the discrimination of Dissenters.

Sources:

Ingle, Stephen: The British Party System. An Introduction. Oxon: Routledge, 4th edition, 2008.

Jones, Clyve (Ed.): A Short History of Parliament. England, Great Britain, The United Kingdom and Scotland. Chippenham and Eastbourne: The Boydell Books, 2009.

Maurer, Michael: Kleine Geschichte Englands. Stuttgart: Reclam, 2007.

Seaward, Paul: The Cavalier Parliament and the Reconstruction of the Old Regime 1661- 1667. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Swatland, Andrew: The House of Lords in the Reign of Charles II. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

von Greyerz, Kaspar. England im Jahrhundert der Revolutionen 1603- 1714. Stuttgart: Ulmer, 1994.

Enzyklopaedia Britannia: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/444244/Parliament, access June 10th 2013.

http://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/originsofparliament/birthofparliament/overview/firstparliaments/

Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Parliament

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Marienkaefer:

Political Institution going back to the Middle Ages. In the 17th century Parliament opposed the monarch (see: [[Charles I]], [[Civil War]], [[Oliver Cromwell]]). After the [[Glorious Revolution]] in 1688 it more and more came to dominate politics.

* [[UK Parliament]] (Westminster Parliament)

Devolved national parliaments (with limited rights of legislation):
* [[Scottish Parliament]]
* [[National Assembly for Wales]]

The British Parliament has its beginnings back in 1215.