The Bores
by Moliere
'The Bores' Summary
The Bores is a comedy by Molière that satirizes the different types of bores that one might encounter in society. The play follows the character of Philinte, who is fed up with being constantly subjected to the tedious and self-indulgent monologues of his fellow men. He decides to create a new type of comedy, one that would specifically target the bores of the world.
The play is divided into three acts, each of which focuses on a different type of bore. In the first act, Philinte meets a pedant, a man who is obsessed with knowledge and learning. The pedant drones on and on about his theories and ideas, oblivious to the fact that he is boring everyone around him. Philinte tries to politely excuse himself from the conversation, but the pedant is relentless. He follows Philinte around, continuing to talk at him even though Philinte is clearly not interested.
In the second act, Philinte meets a gossip, a woman who is always talking about the latest news and rumors. The gossip is so caught up in her own gossip that she never stops to think about the impact that her words might have on others. She spreads malicious rumors about people, and she delights in causing trouble. Philinte tries to reason with the gossip, but she is too blinded by her own self-interest to listen.
In the third act, Philinte meets a parasite, a man who attaches himself to wealthy and powerful people in order to sponge off of them. The parasite is so consumed by his own greed that he is willing to do anything to get what he wants, even if it means hurting others. He flatters and deceives people in order to get what he wants, and he is always looking for the next opportunity to take advantage of someone.
Philinte is disgusted by the bores that he meets, but he is also amused by them. He sees the humor in their self-absorption and their lack of self-awareness. He realizes that the best way to deal with bores is to simply ignore them. He refuses to engage with them, and he walks away from their conversations as soon as possible.
The Bores is a hilarious and insightful play that skewers the different types of bores that one might encounter in society. It is a reminder that we should all be careful not to become bores ourselves, and that we should always be mindful of the impact that our words and actions might have on others.
The play is also a commentary on the nature of comedy. Molière shows how comedy can be used to satirize and criticize the foibles of human nature. He also shows how comedy can be used to entertain and to provide a release from the stresses of everyday life.
The Bores is a timeless play that is still relevant today. It is a play that will make you laugh, but it will also make you think. It is a play that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Book Details
Author
Moliere
France
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin known by his stage name Molière was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. His...
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