Illustrated French Classics
3 total works
Will the witty and intelligent Henriette succeed in marrying her true love, Clitandre? Or must she bend to the will of her mother, Philaminte, who has chosen a pedantic poet to be her spouse? Who are these 'learned ladies', led by Philaminte herself, who prefer spending their time in discussions of art and philosophy rather than in doing housework? In this second-to-last play of his illustrious career, Moliere satirises 'foolish' intellectualism, social climbing, and pretentious learning. Although Les Femmes Savantes is best understood in the social context of 1672, it poses a most contemporary question: What is the proper equilibrium between intellectual pursuits and everyday life? This new edition of a famous literary classic offers the original piece, a modern translation and annotations to the original verse. An introduction, as well as an author biography and brief theatrical history, provide a broad historical base from which to learn both the French language and culture. A glossary of terms is also supplied to enhance appreciation.
One of the funniest plays in dramatic literature, this modern version abounds with laughter. Th e son and daughter of the miser fall in love and are about to declare their intentions when the miser announces his own wedding plans: he, to the girl with whom his son is in love, and his wealthy friend, to his daughter. Aft er a few rollicking laps around the block in which the miser's hidden treasure figures, it is revealed that the rich friend is the long lost father of the boy who loves the miser's daughter and of the girl who is loved by the miser's son.-3 women, 11 men