The Jealousy of le Barbouillé (La Jalousie du Barbouillé) (eBook)

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a prolific French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. Born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France, Molière was the son of a prosperous upholsterer and went on to establish himself as a brilliant dramatist. He formed his own theater company and was patronized by Louis XIV. His work offers a timeless observation of society and human nature, often satirizing the hypocrisies and follies of the aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Molière's literary style is characterized by its wit, the precision of its dialogue, and a finesse in blending comedy with a deeper, often moralistic message. Among his numerous plays, one notable piece is 'The Jealousy of le Barbouillé' ('La Jalousie du Barbouillé'), a farcical one-act comedy believed to have been written around 1660. Though less known than his major works such as 'The Misanthrope,' 'Tartuffe,' or 'The Imaginary Invalid,' this early work still displays Molière's sharp comedic sense and insight into human relationships. Molière's contribution to the French language and literature is so significant that French is often referred to as 'the language of Molière.' He died on February 17, 1673, shortly after collapsing on stage during a performance of his final play, 'The Imaginary Invalid.' Molière's legacy endures, and his works continue to be read and performed worldwide.