What is the theme of The Imaginary Invalid?
William Harris
Updated on March 18, 2026
What is the theme of The Imaginary Invalid?
We touch upon three themes in The Imaginary Invalid: criticism of the medical profession, philosophical accommodation to mortality, and the therapeutic benefit of comedy. Moliere’s criticism of the medical practices of his time might be mistaken for opportunistic lampooning, low comedy, or even mean-spirited.
Which French playwright basically died onstage following a performance of his play The Imaginary Invalid?
| Molière | |
|---|---|
| Died | 17 February 1673 (aged 51) Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Pen name | Molière |
| Occupation | Playwright, actor |
| Nationality | French |
Why did Molière write The Imaginary Invalid?
The prologue establishes that the play was written chiefly for the pleasure of King Louis XIV, and seventeenth-century audiences would have realized that Molière was trying to secure further patronage and regain the favor he was in danger of losing to his previous collaborator, Jean-Baptiste Lully.
What is the plot of The Imaginary Invalid?
In the outrageously funny masterpiece The Imaginary Invalid, the hypochondriac Argan wants his daughter to marry a doctor so he can save on his medical bills. But she’s in love with someone else. Soon the whole household joins in her madcap scheme to save true love and give Argan’s doctors a dose of their own medicine.
What was Moliere’s real name?
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin
Molière/Full name
Moliere, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor, playwright and director who became one of France’s best-known writers for his work that ranged from simple farces to sophisticated satires. He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622.
How does the imaginary invalid end?
Legend has it that, during the performance of The Imaginary Invalid that would prove to be his last, his fellow actors begged him at inter- mission to see a doctor. He refused, however, saying something to the effect of, “The show must go on,” finishing the show and dying by the end of the night.
Is The Imaginary Invalid in verse?
Molière wrote some of his plays entirely in verse and some entirely in prose. In The Imaginary Invalid, the introduction and the three acts are in prose; the eclogue and prologue are in verse; and the interludes are mainly in verse, with some prose.
When did Moliere write The Imaginary Invalid?
1673
The Imaginary Invalid, comedy in three acts by Molière, produced in 1673 and published in 1674 as Le Malade imaginaire. It was also translated as The Hypochondriac.
What does Malade Imaginaire mean?
imaginary invalid
Definition of malade imaginaire : imaginary invalid : hypochondriac.
Who wrote Le Malade Imaginaire?
Molière
The Imaginary Invalid/Playwrights
The Imaginary Invalid, comedy in three acts by Molière, produced in 1673 and published in 1674 as Le Malade imaginaire.
Was Molière married?
Armande Béjartm. 1662–1673
Molière/Spouse
On February 20, 1662, Molière married Armande Béjart, the daughter of Madeleine and the comte de Modene. There were three children of the marriage; only a daughter survived to maturity.
Where is Molière buried?
1817
Molière/Date of burial
