The Miser and Other Plays (The School for Wives, The School for Wives Criticized, Don Juan, The Hypochondriac) - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Miser and Other Plays represents a seminal collection of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Molière's most influential theatrical works, showcasing the playwright's masterful blend of social satire, character study, and comedic genius during the height of French classical theater. Published in various combinations since the 17th century, this compilation features five of Molière's most celebrated plays, each offering a sharp critique of French society while demonstrating his revolutionary approach to theatrical comedy.
Written between 1662 and 1673, these plays emerged during the reign of Louis XIV, when French culture experienced a golden age of artistic achievement. The School for Wives (1662) and its unprecedented companion piece, The School for Wives Criticized (1663), broke new ground in theatrical meta-commentary, with the latter serving as Molière's clever response to critics of the former. The controversial Don Juan (1665) daringly reimagined the legendary seducer's tale, while The Miser (1668) painted an unforgettable portrait of obsessive greed. The collection culminates with The Hypochondriac (1673), Molière's final play, during whose fourth performance the playwright, playing the lead role, fell ill and later died.
These works revolutionized French theater by combining elements of traditional farce with sophisticated social commentary and psychological insight. Molière's innovative character-driven narratives influenced generations of playwrights and contributed to the development of modern comedy. His bold critiques of religious hypocrisy, medical charlatanism, and social pretension often brought him into conflict with powerful institutions, yet his position as the king's favorite playwright offered some protection.
The enduring relevance of these plays lies in their universal themes and penetrating observations of human nature. Modern productions continue to demonstrate their adaptability to contemporary settings, while scholars regularly uncover new layers of meaning in Molière's intricate texts. The works remain particularly pertinent in their examination of wealth inequality, gender relations, and social hypocrisy, themes that resonate powerfully with modern audiences. The collection stands as a testament to Molière's genius in creating entertainment that simultaneously amuses and provokes, inviting each new generation to reconsider its own social conventions and human follies through the lens of his timeless satire.