Fashioning French Theatre: Molires Coincidence Of Opposites

The work of the 17th century French dramatist Molière is uniquely influential in the world of French theatre, and the way in which his plays blur seemingly oppositional concepts such as comedy and dread, vice and virtue, continues to give his work relevance today.

‘Laughter and fear co-exist in Molière’s pieces in a suspicious way’, proclaimed a recent Le Monde review of Molière’s Amphitryon. Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known more commonly as Molière, is a central figure in French literature and had a major role in the whole panorama of European culture.

Born in the seventeenth century, probably in 1622, he soon manifested a precocious passion for theatre. He began his career as an actor, travelling around France with his company for more than ten years, before coming back to Paris. During this time, he became a great performer and, more importantly, he managed to use some aspects of the Italian Commedia dell’Arte in order to reimagine French Comedy.
Before his great success, Molière underwent a long apprenticeship during which he developed his style and language. His modernity makes him one of the most intriguing literary figures, and, thanks to his influence, French is still nowadays referred to as ‘la langue de Molière’. One of the most outstanding Parisian theatres, Les Bouffes du Nord, was originally named Théâtre Molière in tribute to his influence.

His peculiar ability to combine irony with common life events makes him a precursor of contemporary theatre, and, at the same time, shows his profound awareness of the Greek and Roman traditions. Some of his characters, such as The Hypochondriac and The Miser, were taken from the classical world and were able to enjoy a new life on Molière’s stage, others, like Tartuffe and Dom Juan, were part of the modern tradition and require a more nuanced interpretation to be understood. The whole of mankind is displayed on Molière’s stage, and, like with all great playwrights, bits of his personality are evident in all his characters. Respected and supported by King Louis XIV, he was never satisfied by simply performing the same plays, he always needed to employ and restore ancient theatrical conventions, therefore re-shaping their value. For this reason he was often compared to the Roman playwright Terence with whom he certainly shared the motto: ‘Homo sum, humaninihila mealienum puto’ (‘I am a human being, I consider nothing that is human alien to me’).

‘Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtues’ says Dom Juan in his famous monologue. Here the protagonist, whose cultural roots embrace the Western world in its entirety, deals with an aspect of mankind which seems to preoccupy Molière throughout his works. What is the difference between vice and virtue in Molière’s mind? In his plays the two terms are intertwined to the degree that the distinction between them is invisible and his characters exist in a moral vacuum. Nevertheless, this internal ambiguity between vice and virtue costs Dom Juan his life and the interpretation offered by Mozart goes even further, suggesting that he is destined for eternal damnation.

Molière blurs the difference between virtue and vice through a coincidence of opposites in which opposing terms are reversed and precise meaning deferred. For Molière this is a vehicle for satire, in which he subverts the norms and standards of his own society, leaving the public with many doubts. However, the questions he asks and his artistic efforts still resonate with our own experiences.
By Ilaria Mallozzi

Images Courtesy: 1: Lessing Photo Archive/WikiCommons, 2: Jebulon/WikiCommons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.