Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft
Science
Lives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft
Authors, French -- Biography
During the same year the "Médecin malgré Lui" was brought out; whose
wit and comedy stamps it as one of his best: other minor pieces, by
command, occupied his time, without increasing his fame. His mind was
set on bringing out the "Tartuffe." The king had yielded to the outcry
against it; but in his heart he was very desirous of having it acted. On
occasion of a piece being played, called "Scaramouche Hermite," which
also delineated immorality cloaked by religion; the king said to the
great Coudé, "I should like to know why those who are so scandalised by
Molière's play, say nothing against that of _Scaramouche_?" The prince
replied. "The reason is, that _Scaramouche_ makes game of heaven and
religion, which these people care nothing for; but Molière satirises
them themselves, and this they cannot bear."[41] Confident in the king's
support, and anxious to bring out his play, Molière entertained the
hope of mollifying his opponents by concessions: he altered his piece,
expunged the parts most disliked, and changed the name _Tartuffe_,
already become odious to bigot ears, to the _Imposteur_. In this new
shape his comedy was acted once; but, on the following day the first
president, Lamoignon, forbade it. Molière dispatched two principal
actors to the king, then in Flanders, to obtain permission; but Louis
only promised that the play should be re-examined on his return. Thus,
once more, the piece was laid aside; and Molière forced to content
himself with private readings, and the universal interest excited on the
subject. Meanwhile he brought out "Amphitryon," "L'Avare," and "George
Dandin" all of which rank among his best plays. The first has a more
fanciful and playful spirit added to its comedy than any other of his
productions, and displays more elegance and a more subtle wit.
As a specimen of mingled wit and humour, let us take the scene between
Sosia and Mercury, when the latter, assuming his name and appearance,
attempts to deprive him of his identity by force of blows. Sosia
exclaims,--
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