The playwright and actor Molière (1622-1673), whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, is one of the greatest dramatists in the history of Western literature and elevated comedy to the same level of importance as tragedy. His acquaintance with the actress Madeleine Béjart was important for his career, since they founded a travelling theatre company together. The first years were difficult for the company, until Molière managed to secure the patronage of the King's brother. In his plays, he condemned hypocrisy, foolishness, arrogance and human weakness, particularly of the aristocracy, while he did not hesitate to condemn the machinations of the clergy, and the morals and vices of all social classes. According to legend, he died on stage during a performance of The imaginary invalid, wearing a green costume. Ever since, the colour green has been considered bad luck by actors. In fact, he died at home after the end of the performance. According to the law at that time, actors were not permitted to be laid to rest in sacred ground. However, following a royal intervention, he was given a secret burial in a special part of the graveyard reserved for unbaptised infants. His funeral was attended by more than 800 mourners.

 

A short list of his plays:
The blunderer [[L'Étourdi ou les Contretemps] The school for wives [L'École des femmes], Don Juan [Dom Juan, The doctor in spite of himself [Le Médecin malgré lu], The misanthrope [Le Misanthrope],  Amphitryon,The miser [L'Avare], Tartuffe, The bourgeois gentleman [Le Bourgeois gentilhomme],  The imaginary invalid [Le Malade imaginaire].

 

Let us be true; feelings should not wear a mask of convention. (The misanthrope)

 

Love is like porridge: when there is too hot a flame beneath it, it swells up, overflows the pot, and the mess goes everywhere. (The blunderer)

 

Birth means nothing where there is no virtue. (Don Juan)

 

What a terrible thing to be a great lord, yet a wicked man. (Don Juan)