Let's be clear: this isn't a novel you read cover-to-cover in one sitting. Molière - Œuvres complètes, Tome 4 is a collection of separate plays, a treasure chest of comedic genius from France's greatest playwright. Think of it as a season of the best satirical TV, all bound in one book.

The Story

Each play is its own self-contained world, but they're united by Molière's favorite target: human folly. You might get a comedy about a rich man who suddenly turns miserly, terrifying his family and suitors. In another, a perfectly healthy man becomes convinced he's deathly ill, leading him into the clutches of a parade of useless, pompous doctors. Elsewhere, you'll find clever servants outwitting their arrogant masters, and wealthy bourgeois desperately—and awkwardly—trying to act like nobility. The plots often spin on secrets, disguises, and characters who are lying to others and, most importantly, to themselves. The tension comes from watching these delicate houses of cards—built on vanity, greed, or hypocrisy—inevitably come crashing down.

Why You Should Read It

I keep coming back to Molière because his humor isn't just about punchlines; it's about recognition. The tyrannical father, the status-obsessed socialite, the know-it-all who's actually clueless—we've all met these people. Molière just puts them in fancy coats and gives them rhyming couplets. His characters aren't evil; they're absurdly human, and that's what makes them so funny and, at times, strangely touching. Reading him feels like getting a history lesson and a therapy session wrapped in a comedy special. He exposes the silly rules we live by and the masks we wear, all while making you laugh out loud. It's a reminder that the drive to be someone we're not, or to be seen a certain way, is a timeless, universal trait.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves sharp, character-driven comedy. If you enjoy satirists like Austen or Twain, or modern shows that skewer social behavior, you'll find a kindred spirit in Molière. It's also a great pick for theater lovers who want to explore the classics beyond Shakespeare. Be prepared for the language of the era—it's poetic and structured—but once you fall into its rhythm, the jokes land with incredible force. Don't be intimidated by the "Complete Works" label; dip in, pick a play, and let the master of comedy do the rest.