The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman (eBook)

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière (1622–1673), was a seminal French playwright and actor who is often regarded as one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. Born into a prosperous family, Molière abandoned a privileged life and law education to pursue theater. He founded the Illustre Théâtre with actress Madeleine Béjart but faced debt and imprisonment early on. Despite these setbacks, his sharp wit and talent led him to eventually earn the patronage of Louis XIV. Molière's work varied from farce to high comedy and satirized the social and religious pretensions of his time. He combined Italian commedia dell'arte elements with French farcical traditions, creating a unique theater that resonates with modern audiences. His comedies include critiques of social norms and highlight character flaws that lead to humorous situations. One of his notable works, 'The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman' ('Le Bourgeois gentilhomme'), provides a satirical look at pretentiousness and social climbing, themes that recur in his oeuvre. Molière's influence on the comedic genre is vast, and his plays are still performed worldwide, reflecting the enduring appeal of his keen observations of human nature and society.