Moliere, the great French playwright and actor, is known for his wit, satire, and sharp observations of human nature. His plays, which were written in the 17th century, continue to entertain and resonate with audiences today. Moliere’s work explores universal themes such as love, greed, hypocrisy, and social class, making his plays both timeless and relevant.
Throughout his career, Moliere crafted numerous memorable quotes that have become part of the literary canon. His words are often thought-provoking, humorous, and filled with insights into the human condition. From his witty one-liners to his biting social commentary, Moliere’s quotes continue to captivate readers and theatergoers alike.
One of Moliere’s most famous quotes comes from his play “Tartuffe” and explores the theme of hypocrisy. The quote goes: “Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtue.” In this line, Moliere shines a light on the tendency for society to overlook or even admire those who pretend to be virtuous while engaging in immoral behavior.
Moliere’s play “The Misanthrope” is filled with sharp observations about social conventions and the masks people wear in society. One of the standout quotes from this play is: “The more I see of men, the more I admire dogs.” Here, Moliere expresses his disillusionment with the insincerity and duplicity he sees in human interactions, contrasting it with the loyalty and authenticity he finds in his canine companions.
Another memorable quote comes from Moliere’s comedy “The School for Wives”: “Love is a great master. It teaches us to be what we never were.” This line encapsulates the transformative power of love, showing how it can change individuals and help them grow into better versions of themselves.
These are just a few examples of the best quotes from Moliere’s plays, which are filled with wit, wisdom, and thought-provoking insights. Whether read on the page or performed on the stage, Moliere’s words continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Top Quotes from Moliere’s Comedies
1. “The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”
2. “A wise man is one who knows how to play the fool.”
3. “The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”
4. “It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.”
5. “The more we love someone, the less we flatter.”
6. “Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.”
7. “Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”
8. “It is not love that should be depicted as blind, but self-love.”
9. “It is easier to be brave in public than alone.”
10. “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”
Note: These quotes are attributed to Moliere’s comedies and may not be direct quotes from the plays.
Funniest Lines in Moliere’s Plays
Moliere’s plays are known for their witty and humorous dialogue. Here are some of the funniest lines from his plays:
- “I love everything that is old; old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine.” – Alceste, from “The Misanthrope”
- “I am not in the habit of letting fools dictate to me.” – Tartuffe, from “Tartuffe”
- “There is nothing so dangerous as a woman who can think for herself. Such women are always trouble.” – Arnolphe, from “The School for Wives”
- “If one could be polite without paying for it, life would be much more enjoyable.” – Philinte, from “The Misanthrope”
- “To marry, they say, is to deal with all sorts of miseries. But to remain single is to deal with nothing at all.” – Arnolphe, from “The School for Wives”
- “Love is not blind; it sees but it doesn’t mind.” – Covielle, from “The Would-Be Gentleman”
- “A wise man is neither a knave nor a fool.” – Dorante, from “The Game of Love and Chance”
These lines not only showcase Moliere’s comedic genius, but also offer an insight into the timeless themes and human follies that he satirizes in his plays.
Memorable Quotes from Moliere’s Tartuffe
“Heavenly beauties sometimes deceive us here below.” – Dorine
“Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice, and all fashionable vices pass for virtue.” – Elmire
“We can be saints without losing our wits.” – Cleante
“Love is the cleverest trick the Devil plays with us.” – Mariane
“There is nothing more false, more dangerous, than that common axiom: You must always tell the truth.” – Orgon
“It is the passion that is seen on the outside that renders it dangerous.” – Damis
“If one can fool people long enough, one can even fool oneself.” – Tartuffe
“It is not just enough to have considerable wit, one must also use it correctly.” – Cleante
“Our true passions are the only things that we truly possess.” – Elmire
Wit and Wisdom in Moliere’s The Misanthrope
Moliere’s The Misanthrope, a play filled with wit and wisdom, explores the shortcomings of society and the complexities of human relationships. Through his characters, Moliere offers profound insights and thought-provoking observations that continue to resonate with audiences today.
One of the central themes of The Misanthrope is the hypocrisy and superficiality that permeate social interactions. Moliere’s astute observations highlight the facade that people often present to the world. As Alceste, the misanthropic protagonist, laments, “The world’s but a vast masquerade, and we are all simply actors playing our parts.” This quote encapsulates the play’s critique of the masks we wear and the disingenuous nature of human communication.
Moliere also explores the tension between truth and politeness in The Misanthrope. Alceste, in his pursuit of honesty, often clashes with the social expectations of politeness and decorum. He proclaims, “I’d rather people hate me for who I am than love me for who I’m not.” This line highlights the difficulty of navigating the delicate balance between authenticity and social acceptance.
Additionally, The Misanthrope offers a witty commentary on the hypocrisy of courtly love and the pursuit of superficial beauty. As Alceste criticizes the superficiality of his love interest, Celimene, he remarks, “You charm me more when I’m not with you than when I am,” exposing the contradictions inherent in their relationship. This quote underscores Moliere’s satirical examination of the shallow nature of societal expectations regarding love and attraction.
Moliere’s The Misanthrope serves as a timeless exploration of the human condition, delving into the complexities of social dynamics and the tensions between truth and politeness. Through his wit and wisdom, Moliere illuminates the flaws and follies of society, inviting us to reflect on our own roles in the grand masquerade of life.
Satirical Wisdom in Moliere’s The School for Wives
Moliere’s The School for Wives is a satirical masterpiece that tackles the social norms and conventions of the 17th century French society. Through witty dialogues and clever plot twists, Moliere unveils the absurdities and contradictions of the era.
The play follows the character of Arnolphe, a middle-aged man who has raised his young ward, Agnes, in isolation in order to mold her into the perfect obedient wife. However, Moliere’s satirical genius lies in his ability to expose the flaws in Arnolphe’s plan and the societal expectations placed upon women.
One of the most famous quotes from The School for Wives perfectly encapsulates Moliere’s satirical approach to the concept of marriage and the role of women. Arnolphe declares, “A husband is something that every woman needs, but an idle one is even worse than none at all.” This line highlights the absurdity of the societal expectation for women to be married, regardless of the qualities or character of their husbands.
Moliere’s play also satirizes the notion of female education and how it was perceived during the 17th century. Agnes, the young ward, is portrayed as innocent and naive due to her lack of exposure to the world. This is reflected in the quote, “When I look for knowledge, I find that my education has only taught me to be ignorant.” Moliere criticizes the limited education that girls received at the time and the consequences it had on their understanding of the world.
Furthermore, Moliere cleverly criticizes the double standards of the era regarding fidelity. While Arnolphe demands absolute faithfulness from his wife, he himself engages in an extramarital affair. This hypocrisy is exposed when Agnes says, “You mustn’t have eyes for anyone but me, and how unattractive you are when you do!” This quote underscores the double standards that existed in relationships between men and women during this period.
In conclusion, Moliere’s The School for Wives is a satirical masterpiece that uses wit and humor to criticize the social norms and expectations of 17th century French society. Through memorable quotes and clever plot twists, Moliere points out the absurdities and contradictions inherent in these societal conventions, providing a satirical wisdom that is still relevant today.
Sarcastic Humor in Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid
Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid is a brilliant satire that ridicules the medical profession and the concept of hypochondria. The play is filled with sarcastic humor, which adds a layer of wit and entertainment to the story. Through witty dialogues and exaggerated situations, Moliere successfully mocks the ignorance and pretentiousness of the medical practitioners of his time.
One of the most notable instances of sarcastic humor in the play is when Argan, the main character, believes he is suffering from numerous ailments. Moliere cleverly exposes the hypochondriac tendencies of Argan by portraying him as constantly seeking medical attention and becoming obsessed with his own health. This exaggerated portrayal serves to satirize those who are excessively preoccupied with their health and self-diagnose themselves with various illnesses.
Another example of sarcastic humor is seen in the character of Dr. Diafoirus, a pompous and pompous doctor who is more concerned with flaunting his medical knowledge than actually treating patients. Moliere’s witty dialogues highlight the absurdity of the medical profession at the time, where doctors prioritized their reputation and status over the well-being of their patients. The character of Dr. Diafoirus becomes a comic figure, allowing the audience to laugh at his false expertise and grandiose claims.
Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid also showcases sarcastic humor through the character of Toinette, Argan’s maid. Toinette is quick-witted, observant, and unafraid to speak her mind. She uses her sarcastic remarks to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of the situations and characters around her. Toinette’s sharp tongue and clever comebacks not only provide comic relief but also serve as a voice of reason in the play.
In conclusion, Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid is a masterful satire that uses sarcastic humor to mock the medical profession and the idea of hypochondria. With its witty dialogues, exaggerated situations, and sharp characters, the play provides an entertaining and insightful commentary on the flaws and follies of the society it portrays.
Comedic Quotes from Moliere’s The Bourgeois Gentleman
2. “Oh, how happy I am to be able to converse every morning with such a beautiful symphony!” – Monsieur Jourdain
3. “I want to be a gentleman, not because I have any desire to be one, but because my father was not.” – Monsieur Jourdain
4. “I will speak prose from now on. I have been speaking it all my life without knowing it.” – Monsieur Jourdain
5. “Oh, dreams and aspirations, how you have captivated me!” – Monsieur Jourdain
6. “I have learned so much, and yet I feel like I know nothing at all.” – Monsieur Jourdain
7. “I shall be a member of the Academy! I shall be elected by unanimous vote!” – Monsieur Jourdain
8. “Love, what a delightful torment you are!” – Monsieur Jourdain
9. “I don’t need to learn anything. I am already a man of the world.” – Monsieur Jourdain
10. “To love is to suffer, and to suffer is to love.” – Monsieur Jourdain
Insightful Lines in Moliere’s Don Juan
Moliere’s play Don Juan is not only a comedy filled with wit and humor, but also a work that offers deep insights into human nature and society. Through his characters and their memorable dialogues, Moliere touches upon various aspects of life and leaves lasting impressions on the audience. Here are some insightful lines from Don Juan:
“The best way to inspire people to keep secrets is to show no interest in them.”
This line spoken by Don Juan himself sheds light on his manipulative nature. It highlights his tendency to play with people’s emotions and exploit their vulnerabilities for his own gain.
“Love is the most fickle of emotions, and it is often mistaken for other sentiments.”
In this line, Don Juan reflects on the complexity of love. He suggests that love can be easily confused with other feelings, leading to misunderstandings and complications in relationships.
“True freedom lies in recognizing one’s own limitations and embracing them.”
This statement, made by Sganarelle, Don Juan’s servant, provides a profound insight into the concept of freedom. Sganarelle suggests that true freedom comes from accepting one’s weaknesses and limitations, rather than seeking endless desires and indulgences.
“A wise man knows when to hold his tongue, for sometimes silence speaks louder than words.”
This wise advice, given by Don Juan’s father to his son, emphasizes the power of silence. It suggests that keeping quiet can sometimes have a greater impact than speaking, especially in delicate situations or when faced with confrontation.
These are just a few examples of the insightful lines found in Moliere’s Don Juan. The play is a treasure trove of wisdom and provides a thought-provoking commentary on various aspects of human behavior. It continues to resonate with audiences and remind us of the timeless truths that Moliere sought to convey through his masterful writing.