The Doctor in Spite of Himself facts for kids
The Doctor in Spite of Himself is a funny play written by Molière. It was first shown in 1666. The story is about a woodcutter who is forced to pretend he is a doctor. This play is a comedy, which means it is meant to make people laugh.
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About the Play
The Doctor in Spite of Himself is one of Molière's most famous comedies. It shows how people can be tricked by appearances. The play uses lots of humor to make its points. It has been performed many times since it was first written.
The Main Characters
The play has several interesting characters:
- Sganarelle: He is a woodcutter who is forced to act like a doctor. He is the main character.
- Martine: She is Sganarelle's wife. She causes him to pretend to be a doctor.
- Geronte: He is a rich man whose daughter is sick. He believes Sganarelle is a real doctor.
- Lucinde: She is Geronte's daughter. She pretends to be unable to speak.
The Story of the Play
The story begins with Sganarelle and his wife, Martine, arguing. Martine is angry with Sganarelle. To get back at him, she tells two servants that her husband is a brilliant doctor. She says he only admits it after being beaten. The servants are looking for a doctor for their master's daughter, Lucinde. Lucinde has suddenly stopped speaking.
The servants find Sganarelle in the forest. They beat him until he agrees to be a doctor. Sganarelle then goes to Geronte's house. He starts giving out silly medical advice. He even makes up fancy Latin words to sound smart. Everyone believes he is a real doctor.
Lucinde's Trick
Lucinde is not really sick. She is pretending so she does not have to marry a man she dislikes. She wants to marry her true love, Léandre. Sganarelle quickly figures out her trick. He helps Lucinde and Léandre be together. In the end, everyone is happy, and Sganarelle gets away with his trick.
Molière, the Playwright
Molière was a very important French playwright. He lived from 1622 to 1673. His real name was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. He wrote many comedies that are still popular today. Molière often made fun of people's weaknesses and society's problems in his plays. He is known for his clever dialogue and funny situations.
Images for kids
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Front page of The Doctor in Spite of Himself—engraving from the 1719 edition
See also
In Spanish: El médico a palos para niños
