Witness the timeless comedic genius of Molière's "L'Avare," a sharp and enduring satire that delves into the destructive grip of avarice. At its heart is Harpagon, an elderly miser whose obsession with money dictates every aspect of his life, especially the romantic futures of his children, Élise and Cléante. He plans to marry Élise to a wealthy older man who demands no dowry and intends to take a young, impoverished woman named Mariane as his own wife, unaware that his son Cléante is also deeply in love with her.
As Harpagon's extreme stinginess creates a web of absurd and desperate schemes, his children, their lovers, and even his servants are drawn into a battle against his tyrannical control and his hidden treasure. This classic comedy, renowned for its intricate plot and incisive portrayal of human folly, explores themes of family conflict, societal expectations, and the corrupting power of wealth. "L'Avare" remains a poignant and humorous exploration of how an insatiable desire for riches can blind an individual to love, happiness, and the bonds of family, inviting readers to reflect on universal human foibles.
As Harpagon's extreme stinginess creates a web of absurd and desperate schemes, his children, their lovers, and even his servants are drawn into a battle against his tyrannical control and his hidden treasure. This classic comedy, renowned for its intricate plot and incisive portrayal of human folly, explores themes of family conflict, societal expectations, and the corrupting power of wealth. "L'Avare" remains a poignant and humorous exploration of how an insatiable desire for riches can blind an individual to love, happiness, and the bonds of family, inviting readers to reflect on universal human foibles.
- Genres
- Fiction
- Where and when
- Paris 17th century
- Style
- Form: Play
What readers say
3.56
40K ratings across the web 6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Details & editions
- This edition
- Dodo Pr, 2008
- ISBN
- 9781409953227
- Language
- French
Original edition L'avare Originally published in 1890 · English









