Molière

Molière, whose real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was born in Paris in 1622 and became one of the most important French playwrights. Coming from a family connected to the royal court, he first studied law but chose the theatre instead. In 1643, he helped create the theatre company known as L’Illustre-Théâtre.

After years of touring in France, he returned to Paris and gained the support of King Louis XIV. His plays often used comedy to explore human weaknesses, social habits and the contradictions of his time. He wrote both comedies and plays that mixed humor with serious observations about society.

Among his best-known works are The Misanthrope, Tartuffe, The Miser and The Imaginary Invalid. Through memorable characters and sharp dialogue, Molière criticized hypocrisy, excessive pride and false appearances while avoiding simple moral lessons.

Some of his plays caused controversy, especially Tartuffe, which was temporarily banned because of reactions from religious groups and political authorities. Molière continued to write, act and lead his company until his death in Paris in 1673, shortly after performing The Imaginary Invalid. His work remains widely studied and performed because it still reflects questions about human behavior and social relationships.