Moliere

Date of Birth: January 15, 1622

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 17, 1673

Biography

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a renowned French playwright, actor, and poet, celebrated as one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. Born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France, Molière was the eldest of six children. His father was a prosperous upholsterer and intended for him to continue the family business. However, Molière pursued a different path, studying law briefly before dedicating his life to the theater. In 1643, Molière joined the Illustre Théâtre, a theatrical troupe, where he honed his craft as an actor and playwright. Despite early struggles and financial difficulties, he persevered, eventually gaining the patronage of King Louis XIV. His plays, characterized by their witty dialogue, satirical edge, and keen observations of human nature, were celebrated across France. Among his most famous works are “Tartuffe,” “The Misanthrope,” “The School for Wives,” and “The Imaginary Invalid.” Molière’s ability to blend humor with social commentary made him a favorite in the French court and among the public. He continued to perform even in the face of illness, collapsing on stage during a performance of “The Imaginary Invalid” and passing away shortly thereafter on February 17, 1673.

5 Interesting Facts about Moliere

1. Molière was baptized as Jean-Baptiste Poquelin and later adopted the stage name “Molière.”

2. He was jailed briefly in 1645 due to the debts accumulated by his theater troupe.

3. Molière’s play “Tartuffe” was banned for five years due to its controversial portrayal of religious hypocrisy.

4. He married Armande Béjart, who was 20 years his junior, sparking rumors and speculation about their relationship.

5. Molière played the role of Harpagon in his own play “The Miser,” showcasing his acting talents as well as his writing skills.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Moliere

1. “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”

2. “It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.”

3. “A learned fool is more foolish than an ignorant one.”

4. “Writing is like prostitution. First, you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, and then for money.”

5. “The duty of comedy is to correct men by amusing them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Molière’s exact net worth is difficult to determine, especially by today’s standards. However, at the height of his career, he enjoyed significant financial success and the patronage of King Louis XIV, which provided him with substantial resources and influence.

Children

Molière and Armande Béjart had three children together. However, only one of their children, a daughter named Esprit-Madeleine Poquelin, survived to adulthood.