The Blunderer: A Classic Tale of Mistaken Identities and Absurd Misunderstandings in 17th Century France
Dec 2019 · Good Press
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About this ebook
Moli√®re's "The Blunderer" (originally "Le Malade imaginaire") is a brilliantly crafted comedic masterpiece that delves into the realms of mistaken identities and human folly. Employing a rich intertwining of wit and satire, Moli√®re employs a distinctive blend of farcical situations and sharp dialogue, creating an engaging narrative that explores themes of obsession and the absurdity of medical practices during the 17th century. The play is both a humorous critique of contemporary society and a reflection of Moli√®re's astute observation of the human condition, making it a timeless work in the canon of French literature. Moli√®re, a celebrated playwright of the French classical era, drew upon his experiences in theater and his disillusionment with the medical establishment of his time to craft "The Blunderer." His own struggles with health issues and the prevalent pseudoscience of his era fueled his critique of quackery and the gullibility of people seeking desperate remedies. Moli√®re's mastery of character development and comedic timing reveals his deep understanding of human nature, shaped by his rich background in the performing arts and his personal insights into society's quirks. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Blunderer" to readers seeking an insightful yet entertaining exploration of folly and pretense. Moli√®re'Äôs sharp humor and incisive critique remain relevant today, inviting contemporary audiences to reflect on their own societal norms and the follies they perpetuate. This play is a must-read for lovers of classic literature, drama enthusiasts, and anyone eager to appreciate the brilliance of one of history's greatest playwrights.
About the author
The French dramatist Moliere was born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin on January 15, 1622, in Paris. The son of a wealthy tapestry merchant, he had a penchant for the theater from childhood. In 1636, he was sent off to school at the Jesuit College of Claremont and in 1643, he embarked upon a 13-year career touring in provincial theater as a troupe member of Illustre Theatre, a group established by the family Bejarts. He married a daughter of the troupe, Armande Bejart, in 1662 and changed his name to Moliere. The French King Louis XIV, becoming entranced with the troupe after seeing a performance of The Would-Be Gentleman, lent his support and charged Moliere with the production of comedy ballets in which he often used real-life human qualities as backdrops rather than settings from church or state. Soon, Moliere secured a position at the Palais-Royal and committed himself to the comic theater as a dramatist, actor, producer, and director. Moliere is considered to be one of the preeminent French dramatists and writers of comedies; his work continues to delight audiences today. With L'Ecole des Femmes (The School for Wives) Moliere broke with the farce tradition, and the play, about the role played by women in society and their preparation for it, is regarded by many as the first great seriocomic work of French literature. In Tartuffe (1664), Moliere invented one of his famous comic types, that of a religious hypocrite, a character so realistic that the king forbade public performance of the play for five years. Moliere gave psychological depth to his characters, engaging them in facial antics and slapstick comedy, but with an underlying pathos. Jean Baptiste Moliere died in 1673.
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