Famous Translations -- The Hypocrite · The Miser (Color Illustrations Edition)

Author: (French) Molière, translated by Li Jianwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Tartuffe and The Miser are two renowned comedies by the great 17th-century French classical playwright Molière. The plays feature a well-structured and intricate plot, a concentrated and compact storyline, bold and exaggerated techniques, and a blend of romantic comedy with satirical elements full of life. They broke the conventions of classicism and pushed European comedy art to a new height. Since their publication, despite having spanned several centuries, they have remained popular worldwide and are undeniably two immortal classics in the of world theater. Today, the two main characters, Tartuffe and Alba, have become synonymous with hypocrites and misers. This book, through sharp satire, clever plots, and unexpected endings, profoundly exposes the licentious hypocrisy of the 17th-century European Church and the greedy corruption of the aristocracy. Tartuffe, written in 1664, is one of Molière's masterpieces. The play's hypocritical churchman, Tartuffe, uses a pious appearance, humble demeanor, and a mouth full of moral righteousness to win the trust of the merchant Orgon, infiltrates his household, and schemes to seduce his wife and seize his wealth. The play breaks the conventions of classicism, with a rigorous structure, exaggerated techniques, and a sharp style, making it a classic in world comedy. Statistics show that from 1680, when the Comédie-Fran?aise was founded, to 1960, Tartuffe was performed 2,654 times, not counting performances by other troupes or abroad, making it a dominant work in French theater. The Miser, written in 1668, is one of Molière's "profound character comedies." The play is based on the Roman author Plautus's The Golden Vessel but has been developed. The protagonist, Alba, is obsessed with money, treats his children and servants with extreme cruelty, and often goes to bed hungry himself. He forces his son to marry a wealthy widow and his daughter to marry a middle-aged rich man, regardless of their own affections. He is also a cunning and venomous usurer and a shameless lover who tries to seize his son's lover. The play reveals the immense impact of money when it is deified and reflects the greedy and money-obsessed nature of the bourgeoisie.