Molière

Lore & Background

He was the first son of Jean Poquelin and Marie Cressé. Upon seeing him for the first time, a maid exclaimed, 'Le nez!', a reference to the infant's large nose, and he was called 'Le Nez' by his family. He lost his mother when he was 10 and lived with his father above the Pavillon des Singes on the rue Saint-Honoré. His education likely began at a Parisian elementary school, followed by enrollment in the Jesuit Collège de Clermont, where he completed his studies and got a first taste of life on the stage.

Reader's Guide

Molière's significance lies in his transformation of French comedy, blending elements of Commedia dell'arte with more refined French comedy. His works, including comedies, farces, tragicomedies, and comédie-ballets, have been translated into every major living language and remain staples at the Comédie-Française. His satires targeted societal mannerisms, affectations, and religious hypocrisy, drawing both royal favour and sharp criticism from the Catholic Church and Parlement. The French language is often called the 'language of Molière', reflecting his enduring influence. His legacy includes the title Troupe du Roi for his company and his role as official author of court entertainments. Despite his own preference for tragedy, he became famous for his farces, which were often in one act and performed after tragedies. His plays continue to be performed worldwide, and his approach to comedy—criticising customs through humour—remains influential.

Did You Know?

• Molière was called 'Le Nez' by his family after a maid exclaimed at his large nose upon seeing him for the first time.
• He changed his name to Molière, possibly inspired by a small village near Le Vigan, to spare his father the shame of having an actor in the family.
• His play Tartuffe was denounced by the Catholic Church for impiety and banned by the Parlement.
• Molière died hours after finishing a performance of his final play, The Imaginary Invalid, during which he suffered a coughing fit and haemorrhage.