Molière

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was born in Paris on 15 January 1622 and died there on 17 February 1673 [4][7][9]. A French playwright, actor, and poet, he is widely regarded as one of the great writers in the French language and world literature [4]. His body of work spans comedies, farces, tragicomedies, and comédie-ballets, and his plays have been translated into every major living language [4]. Today, his works are performed at the Comédie-Française more often than those of any other playwright [4].

Born into a prosperous family, Molière studied at the Collège de Clermont before embarking on a theatrical career [1]. Thirteen years as an itinerant actor sharpened his comedic abilities, during which time he began writing plays that combined Commedia dell'arte elements with refined French comedy [1]. His primary fields of work were theatre and acting, with comedy and farce as his central genres [5][8].

Molière eventually found lasting success with Parisian audiences through works such as The Affected Ladies, The School for Husbands, and The School for Wives [10]. Royal favour granted his troupe a pension and the prestigious title of Troupe du Roi, and he continued to serve as the official author of court entertainments [10].

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