Molière's Complete Plays, Volume 4

Author: Molière (French)
Translator: Xiao Xiguang
Editor-in-Chief: Yan Jinyan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-01-01
Features:
Excerpt:
The music teacher is quite good. The things we perform, he doesn’t quite understand, but he’s willing to spend money on them. Compared to everything else, this is what we in this profession need the most.
As for the dance teacher, I must admit to you that I’m a bit greedy for recognition. Applause moves me; I believe that performing for fools and letting idiots trample your creation in the realm of art is a painful suffering. But if you perform for those who can appreciate the subtleties of art, understand the beauty of creation, and respond with enthusiastic applause for the effort you’ve poured into it, then that, of course, is a pleasure.
Yes, the only satisfaction we can gain from what we do is seeing it understood; seeing it inspired by applause that brings you honor. In my opinion, nothing can better repay all our hard work than this; the praise of the connoisseurs is truly endless.
Music Teacher: I agree with you. I feel the same way. Indeed, nothing is more comforting than the applause you mentioned; but this praise doesn’t put food on the table. Pure praise won’t make a person comfortable; it should be supplemented with something solid. The best way to praise is to open your wallet.
To be honest, this nobleman is shallow in knowledge, muddled in his words, and only knows how to applaud blindly; but his money makes up for his lack of discernment, which lies in his wallet. His praise is money; as you can see, this unlearned bourgeoisie is far more valuable to us than that smart gentleman who introduced us here.
Dance Teacher: You have a point, but I think you place too much importance on money. Money is a dirty thing, and a decent person should never cling to it.
Music Teacher: Yet, you too accepted the money this nobleman gave you respectfully.
Dance Teacher: Of course, but I don’t place all my joy in that; I truly hope he has some appreciation for our work beyond his wealth.
Music Teacher: I share that hope. This is exactly the work we must strive to do. But no matter what, he has given us the opportunity to gain recognition in society; and if others praise him, he never fails to reward them.
Dance Teacher: Look, he’s here.
Afterword:
Postscript: The works of the renowned French playwright Molière have been published in China in various translations over the years, but this is the first time all his plays have been collected and translated into a single volume. This translation is primarily based on the French text The Complete Theatre of Molière (Théatre Complet de Molière), with the original text published in 1682 and reprinted in 1944 by Ernest Flammarion, éditeur in Paris.
Molière’s works have been around for over three hundred years. Their themes are diverse, their ideas rich, their artistic power timeless, and their dramatic charm boundless. Editing this Complete Theatre of Molière was a challenging task, and throughout the process, we received strong support from Professor Gao Ruisen of the Theatre and Literature Department at the Central Academy of Drama. We sincerely express our gratitude here.
Although we have made great efforts in the publication of this translation, it is inevitable that there may be omissions. We kindly ask readers and experts to point them out.
Editors
January 1999