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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

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Henriette

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Armande

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Clitandre

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Chrysale

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Ariste

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Philaminte

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Trissotin

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Lepine

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Belise

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Martine

Ensemble

Female

Non-singer

Vadius

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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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

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright