Overview
Synopsis
Moliere’s The Learned Ladies is not so much a battle of wits as it is a battle over the value of wit itself. Young lovers Henriette and Clitandre plan to marry, but there is a problem: Henriette’s mother, Philaminte, is determined that Henriette should marry Trissotin, a pretentious yet mediocre academic and poet. Her father, Chrysale, enthusiastically supports her marriage to Clitandre, but Philaminte has the power in the family and refuses to consent. Written in verse and first performed in 1672, the play satirizes pretentious scholars and the place of women in academics. It was one of Moliere’s most popular comedies and continues to be performed today.
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Characters
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Learned Women.
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Key Terms
Unrhymed iambic pentameter used extensively in English Renaissance drama, particularly by Shakespeare.
Refers to the middle class, often used in theatre to critique social status, capitalism, or material values.
A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.
Works not protected by copyright and available for free use or adaptation. Many classical plays, including Shakespeare's, fall into the public domain.
Satire is a dramatic style that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize human behavior, social institutions, or political systems. In theatre, it highlights flaws and hypocrisies through wit and parody, encouraging audiences to laugh while also reflecting on serious issues. Satire can range from lighthearted comedy to biting social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright