Les femmes savantes

by Molière

Will the witty and intelligent Henriette succeed in marrying her true love, Clitandre? Or must she bend to the will of her bluestocking mother, Philaminte, who has chosen a pedantic poet, Trissotin, to be her spouse? Who are these "learned ladies," led by Philaminte herself, who prefer spending their time in discussions of art and philosophy rather than in doing housework? In this second-to-last play of his illustrious career, Moliere satirizes "foolish" intellectualism, social climbing, and pretentious learning. Although Les Femmes Savantes is best understood in the social context of 1672, it poses a most contemporary question: What is the proper equilibrium between intellectual pursuits and everyday life? . This new edition of a famous literary classic offers the original piece, a modern translation and annotations to the traditional verse. An introduction, as well as an author biography and brief theatrical history, provide a broad historical base from which to learn both the French language and culture. A glossary of terms is also supplied to enhance appreciation. "The Learned Ladies" is a modern translation by the 1957 Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate Richard Wilbur.