3.67
"The School for Wives" by Molière is a classic French play that explores themes of marriage, morality, and deception. The play, originally written in 1662, tells the story of Arnolphe, a middle-aged man who has dedicated himself to raising his young ward, Agnes, to be the perfect wife. However, his plans are complicated when Agnes falls in love with a young man named Horace, who also has feelings for her. Throughout the play, Molière uses humor and satire to critique the societal expectations and conventions surrounding marriage in 17th century France. Arnolphe's attempts to control and manipulate Agnes are portrayed as both absurd and cruel, highlighting the limitations and absurdities of the patriarchal society of the time. The play also touches on the theme of deception, as Arnolphe goes to great lengths to keep Agnes and Horace apart, including posing as a servant and attempting to trick Agnes into thinking Horace is unfaithful. These deceptions ultimately backfire, leading to a climactic and comedic resolution. "The School for Wives" is a classic example of Molière's comedic style, featuring witty dialogue, physical comedy, and a sharp critique of societal norms. The play remains relevant today as a commentary on the complexities and challenges of relationships and the dangers of attempting to control or manipulate those around us. Overall, "The School for Wives" is a timeless and entertaining play that offers a unique perspective on the complexities of love, marriage, and societal expectations. It is a must-read for fans of classic literature and anyone interested in exploring the themes of power, control, and deception in relationships...
Molière
The Misanthrope
In this classic play, Molière explores the theme of social hypocrisy through the character of Alceste, a man who despises the deceit and artifice of society. Like The School for Wives, The Misanthrope showcases Molière's sharp wit and keen insight into human nature, particularly the dangers of pride and the corrupting influence of social conventions.
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Don Juan
This classic play by Molière tells the story of the notorious womanizer Don Juan, who seduces and abandons women with abandon. Like The School for Wives, Don Juan explores themes of gender, power, and social norms, and showcases Molière's biting wit and keen insight into human nature.
Learn MoreOscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In this classic novel, Oscar Wilde explores the theme of beauty, youth, and morality through the character of Dorian Gray, a young man who remains youthful and beautiful while his portrait ages and decays. Like The School for Wives, The Picture of Dorian Gray showcases the dangers of self-delusion and the corrupting influence of social conventions.
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Candide
This classic satirical novel by Voltaire tells the story of the optimistic Candide, who embarks on a journey to find the best of all possible worlds. Along the way, he encounters a series of misfortunes and learns the harsh realities of life. Like The School for Wives, Candide explores themes of optimism, reality, and the human condition with biting wit and sharp social commentary.
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The Government Inspector
In this classic play, Nikolai Gogol satirizes the corruption and incompetence of the Russian government through the story of a low-level bureaucrat who is mistaken for a high-ranking inspector. Like The School for Wives, The Government Inspector uses humor and wit to critique social norms and institutions.
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The Rover
This classic play by Aphra Behn tells the story of a group of English cavaliers who flee to Naples during the Interregnum and become embroiled in a series of romantic entanglements. Like The School for Wives, The Rover explores themes of gender, power, and social norms, and showcases the dangers of self-delusion and the corrupting influence of social conventions.
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The Country Wife
This classic play by William Wycherley tells the story of a rakish gentleman who pretends to be impotent in order to seduce married women without fear of retribution. Like The School for Wives, The Country Wife explores themes of gender, power, and social norms, and showcases the dangers of self-delusion and the corrupting influence of social conventions.
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The Imaginary Invalid
In this classic play, Molière satirizes the medical profession and the hypochondria of the upper classes through the story of Argan, a wealthy man who is convinced he is gravely ill. Like The School for Wives, The Imaginary Invalid uses humor and wit to critique social norms and institutions, particularly the dangers of self-delusion and the corrupting influence of social conventions.
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