44 pages • 1 hour read
The Miser
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Book Brief
77
Play • Fiction
Paris, France • 1660s
1668
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Miser, a comedy by Jean-Baptiste Molière, centers on Harpagon, a penny-pinching old man in Paris who seeks to increase his wealth by arranging advantageous marriages for himself and his two grown children, Elise and Cleante, causing intergenerational conflict and romantic entanglements as each struggles to marry their chosen partners amidst misunderstandings and schemes. One character mimics the action of hanging themselves.
Humorous
Dark
Mysterious
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews for Jean-Baptiste Molière’s The Miser highlight its enduring humor and keen social commentary. Audiences appreciate the clever satire of greed and human folly. While some find the plot predictable, the play's lively characters and witty dialogue consistently entertain. Overall, it remains a classic in comedic theater.
Who Should Read The Miser?
A reader who enjoys sharp social commentary, witty dialogue, and classic satire would find pleasure in The Miser by Jean-Baptiste Molière. Similar to those who appreciate Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or the humor in William Shakespeare's comedies, this audience enjoys exploring human follies through timeless, clever narratives.
Cleante
Cleante
Harpagon's son who is in love with Marianne and often finds himself at odds with his stingy father.
Elise
Elise
Harpagon’s daughter who harbors love for Valere while grappling with her father's plans for her marriage.
Valere
Valere
A charming young man in love with Elise, who uses flattery as a tactic to win favor with Harpagon.
Marianne
Marianne
The beloved of Cleante, caught in familial expectations and personal desires.
Frosine
Frosine
A matchmaker skilled in flattery, involved in arranging Marianne's engagement to Harpagon.
Master Jacques
Master Jacques
The honest yet frustrated servant of Harpagon, who despises flattery and becomes embroiled in household deceit.
La Fleche
La Fleche
Cleante's outspoken servant who assists in schemes against Harpagon.
Seigneur Anselme
Seigneur Anselme
A wealthy suitor chosen by Harpagon for Elise, who reveals a more generous disposition.
77
Play • Fiction
Paris, France • 1660s
1668
Adult
15-18 years
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