Les Précieuses ridicules facts for kids
Les Précieuses ridicules (which means The Affected Ladies in English) is a funny, short play by the famous French writer Molière. It was first shown on November 18, 1659, at a theater in Paris called the Théâtre du Petit-Bourbon. This play is a satire, which means it uses humor to make fun of certain ideas or people. In this case, Molière was making fun of some very fashionable and overly refined ladies of his time.
Contents
What is the Play About?
The Affected Ladies tells the story of two young women, Cathos and Magdelon. They have just arrived in Paris from the countryside. They want to be seen as very sophisticated and trendy. They believe they are too good for the simple country life.
The Main Characters
- Cathos and Magdelon: These are the two young women who want to be seen as very elegant and smart. They try to use fancy words and act very refined.
- Gorgibus: He is the father of Magdelon and uncle of Cathos. He is a practical man who wants his daughter and niece to marry sensible men.
- La Grange and Du Croisy: These are two young gentlemen who want to marry Cathos and Magdelon. But the ladies think they are not fancy enough.
- Mascarille and Jodelet: These are the servants of La Grange and Du Croisy. They pretend to be important, rich gentlemen to trick Cathos and Magdelon.
The Story's Plot
Gorgibus wants Cathos and Magdelon to marry La Grange and Du Croisy. But the girls refuse. They think these men are too ordinary and not "refined" enough for them. They dream of marrying famous poets or noblemen.
To get back at the girls, La Grange and Du Croisy send their servants, Mascarille and Jodelet, to pretend to be important gentlemen. Mascarille acts like a very fashionable and witty nobleman. Jodelet pretends to be a brave soldier.
Cathos and Magdelon are completely fooled by the servants. They are very impressed by their fancy talk and silly manners. They spend time chatting with them and believing they are truly important people.
The Humorous Ending
The real gentlemen, La Grange and Du Croisy, then show up. They reveal that Mascarille and Jodelet are just servants. The girls are very embarrassed and ashamed. Gorgibus is angry and tells them to be more sensible. The play ends with everyone laughing at the girls' foolishness.
Why is This Play Important?
Molière wrote The Affected Ladies to make fun of a trend in French society at the time. Some people, especially women, tried too hard to be elegant and use very complicated language. They would often use made-up words or overly flowery phrases. Molière thought this was silly and fake.
Molière's Message
Through this play, Molière was saying that it's better to be natural and honest than to pretend to be someone you're not. He showed how ridiculous people can look when they try too hard to be fashionable or intellectual. The play teaches us to be ourselves and not to judge others based on how "fancy" they seem.
Lasting Impact
Even though it was written a long time ago, The Affected Ladies is still performed today. People still find it funny because it talks about things that are still true about human nature, like wanting to fit in or trying to impress others. It reminds us that sometimes, being simple and genuine is the best way to be.
Images for kids
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MASCARILLE : What do you think of my little goose? Do you find it goes with my outfit? CATHOS : Absolutely. (from Les Précieuses ridicules) Drawing by Moreau le Jeune.
