Moliere was a French playwright known for his farces and comedic works that used exaggerated characters and improbable situations to investigate human nature. While his characters were often types, his plays questioned whether human nature is inherently good or corrupt. Some analyses suggest Moliere was suggesting through his works that an absolute monarch like King Louis XIV was needed to keep corrupt human nature in check, though others argue Moliere just showed the king what he wanted to see.

1. Moliere 1622-1673 Jean Baptiste Poquelin

2. Farce Exaggerated personality traits Improbable comic situations Extreme behavior Slapstick Unbelievable resolution

3. A Study of Human Nature Although his characters are often mere types, Moliere’s plays investigate human nature. Are people by nature good and noble or greedy, small minded, and brutal?

4. Absolutist Theater Louis 14 fixes everything. Perhaps Moliere is suggesting that human nature is so corrupt that it needs a strong power– like an absolute monarch– to keep it in check. (Hobbes) Or maybe he is just showing Louis what he wants to see.