The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman (eBook)

Molière's 'The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman' (Le Bourgeois gentilhomme) is a comical pièce in five acts, blending prose and lyrical interludes to satirize seventeenth-century French society. It examines the folly of social climbers and the pretentious bourgeoisie through the character of Monsieur Jourdain, who aspires to the nobility. Molière's playful use of comedy, both verbal and situational, solidifies the piece's standing in the literary canon, allowing it to resonate across ages despite its Baroque-era particularities. Its style, enmeshed with music and dance, cements its importance amidst the comédie-ballet genre and its prime contribution to the repertoire of commedia dell'arte influences in Western literature.

The inimitable Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known universally by his stage name, Molière, was a masterful French playwright and actor whose works are central to the French stage and classical comedy. His acute observations of society and its idiosyncrasies, coupled with his personal experience as an aspiring social climber within the patronage systems of his time, likely informed his satirical approach in 'The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman.' This novel stands as a timeless reminder of the nuanced dance between societal aspiration and genuine virtue.

This special edition by DigiCat Publishing invites contemporary readers into the enduring wit and insightful satire of Molière's classic. It is recommended for those with an appreciation for literature that offers both a mirror to the folly of historical social ambitions and a window to their persistent echo in modern day scenarios. Molière's razor-sharp wit appeals to the intellect, while his comedic genius provides an engaging experience. A true connoisseur of literature will find 'The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman' indispensable for its rich portrayal of the human condition through the lens of humor and critique.