Molière

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Molière (1622–73) French playwright, b. Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. An acute observer of contemporary modern manners, Moli is regarded as the founder of modern French comedy. His best-known comedies include Tartuffe (1661), The Misanthrope (1667), and The Miser (1669). His work found favour with Louis XIV, but was unpopular with Church leaders. His last play was The Imaginary Invalid, during a performance of which he collapsed and died.

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