The Imaginary Invalid

The Imaginary Invalid , translated by Charles Heron Wall , is a satirical masterpiece by Molière that humorously critiques the medical profession and bourgeois pretentiousness. The protagonist, Argan , is a wealthy hypochondriac who believes himself to be perpetually ill and is easily duped by charlatans posing as doctors. His obsession with his health leads him to the ludicrous idea of marrying off his daughter to a doctor to secure free medical treatment. The play is a comédie-ballet, a genre Molière pioneered, which includes music and dance to enhance the comedic effect. Molière , born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the great writers of French comedy. Despite facing opposition from both secular and sacred authorities of 17th-century France, Molière’s genius for satire and the absurd won him acclaim. —- ISBN: 9798325318931