The Pretentious Morn
June 28, 2009
Meet Jean-Baptiste Poquelin known as Moliere:
The advent of Neoclassicism began in France in approximately 1600 and continued until the beginning of the French Revolution. Theatre during this period followed two trends: heroic tragedies and what were termed the ‘comedy of manners’ for which Moliere was a primary influence on English theatre. He was one of the early playwrights to utilize this style and in fact had little success as a writer until that point.
The purpose of Moliere’s most successful pieces was to portray the aristocrats in a realistic manner in the realm of the middle class. He saught to illustrate the faults and fecundity of a class that set itself up as irreproachable and untouchable. His criticisms were not of a moral nature nor did they necessarily prompt moral behavior for which he received reproach of his own. However, his portrayals were comedic and gained the favor of those in power and even those whom he criticized.
Moliere did not outright condemn the behaviors of his betters nor did he speak of outright dissent. Prior to the French Revolution the theatre had grown from ribald stage acts to performances which were complex and professional. Moliere’s style included a form of caricature which created the ridiculous air of humor. He was a consummate mimic and was said to have perfected the affectations of the upper class.
Of his forty or so works, The Pretentious Young Ladies, created in November 18, 1659, was written specifically to show the faults of the ‘elegance’ which was exhibited both in speech and action. The French aristocrats who saught elegance in the manner which was being satirized by Moliere were called précieux and précieuses. They ran salons, were delicate and saught refinement, fully believing themselves born to their status and superior to the lower classes. For some time it was banned from the stage by those it criticized but due to the popular demand of viewers it returned not long after.
The first link is a modern recreation of Moliere’s while the second is the best English version youtube could provide (which is not to say that it is necessarily ‘good’). There are other Moliere plays with better videos which might be worth checking out as well as the UK production entitled ‘Moliere’.
part one of seven
Personally, I appreciate the humor of Moliere particularly when criticizing people for faults to which they are often oblivious. There is an irony that his greatest patrons were those whom he criticized and this piece in particular mocks the habits which create characteristics which inhibit either intellectual or physical capability. They were useless artifacts which to some extent are still emulated by today’s wealthy classes. Sociability rather than utility is their purpose. While traits such as these may be useful in a more political setting or one in which beauty and deportment are favored above daily usefulness to society.
Sources:
http://www.theatrehistory.com/plays/pyl001.html
http://pages.towson.edu/quick/french.html
http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/clsc35w3.html
Gaines, James F. The Moliere Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Company. 2002.
I have never heard of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin known as Moliere which leads me to congratulate you on a fine job of describing and posting hyperlinks for video samples from the exquisite work. I did find the links for be quite comical even in a realistic notion of history and the transitional times that separate us. I though it was neat how the play writings, and theater performers related to the middle class which could be related to the consistency that was presents during the classical era.
Wow that was exciting and informative. I would like to see the movie and soon. I to liked his humor and his realistic approach to the upper class society. I hope to learn more from the film and would like to congratulate you on a wonderful paper. So far the classical era is my favorite period.
Supposedly it was out in 2007 but I haven’t been able to find a copy.
I’m actually looking forward to the romantics, they are by far my favorites if only for Frankenstein and Mary Shelley.
I’m surprised he was sly enough to contain the satire he did during this time, however inconspicuous it was. It seemed like it was a pretty tough time to even slightly make fun of higher classes. This was a great analysis. I like how you incorporated the history into your blog. It made for a good refresher. All in all great job.
Moliere actually had a better time of it because he was before the major laws against such topics. The French Revolution didn’t occur until 1789 so he didn’t have much to worry about. He did end up in jail at some point and was nearly destitute. But more people liked than disliked his work.
I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head by commenting on Moliere’s unique ability to find patronage among those he parodied so deftly. It’s one thing to “stick it to the man”, but to make him laugh while you do it is another thing entirely!
I’m glad there is another Moliere fan in the class. Not to toot my own horn to boldly (did you hear something?), but I played Damis, the hot-headed sone of Orgon in a college production of Moliere’s play Tartuffe which was a very witty and blatant attack on the ills of self-righteousness and false piety.
In response to your last paragraph, which beautifully identifies the heart of aristocratic parody, I wonder how Moliere would have (theatrically) treated modern day socialites. Those individuals who are famous simply for being famous (i.e. Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, etc.)and hold no sway in the lives of the average “joe”.
Thanks for sharing!
Did you just hear a bugle?
I would love to see a live performance of Moliere. He’s just so good at his art. I imagine it would be somewhat like watching a sophisticated version of the Three Stooges.
Thanks for the comment!
Brief and to the point! I’m waiting for blockbuster movies about the social fallacies that are myspace and facebook. I’m sure Moliere would have had more than a few opinions of such things.
While I often find it difficult to appreciate theatre, I grudgingly admit that I do find Moliere’s biting perspective of the “upper classes” to be quite humorous. Your synopsis provided this quality of Moliere very well.
Haha, I have to admit that I’ve allowed myself to fall prey to facebook but yes, I’m sure some independent fill makers have broached the topic.
Thanks for commenting. :)
Interesting historical background on this playwright. I was not aware of Moliere; I stand enlightened. This Youtube clips provided a nice touch, actually seeing sections of plays provides some examples of the satire etc. Good job connecting to the topics discussed in the assignment, I didn’t see that done extensively in the blogs for this assignment. Nice work.