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.
Show Information
- Book
- Moliere
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 5
- First Produced
- 1672
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- The home of Chrysale and Philamente, Paris, France
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
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.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright