Molière and Paradox

Download or read book Molière and Paradox written by James F. Gaines and published by Narr Francke Attempto Verlag. This book was released on 2010-08-18 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Offering a wide perspective on Molière ́plays, this study opens a new opportunity for understanding the dramatist ́s links to the tradition and methods of Sextus Empiricus and his followers. By concentrating on the multiple uses of paradox in language, thought , and stagecraft, it updates Molière studies throught the major philosophical research of the past twenty years, which have seen a resurgent recognition of Sextus ́s role in early modern thought. Designed to be useful to students of theatre and philosophy as well as to French literature specialists, it enriches the interpretation of Moliere ́s major masterpieces, as well as showing the evolution of skeptical influences through the course of his entire career as writer and actor. Characters such as Dom Juan, Arnolphe, Tartuffe, Alceste and Sganarelle assume their full importance in the philosophical dialogue of the Age of Louis XIV.