Ah, Molière! Even saying his name evokes images of powdered wigs, witty repartee, and perhaps a slight whiff of scandal. But have you ever stopped to consider the dramatic irony surrounding his own final curtain call? We're talking about L'enterrement de Molière, his funeral. And trust me, the story is more intriguing than any of his plays.
A Comedian's Tragic Exit
Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was, of course, a literary and theatrical superstar of the 17th century. Think of him as the Beyoncé of his time, but instead of sold-out stadiums, he packed the Palais Royal with eager audiences. He wrote, directed, and acted in his own plays, satirizing the hypocrisy and foibles of Parisian society. Tartuffe, Le Misanthrope, L'Avare – the titles alone hint at the sharp social commentary within.
But here's the kicker: Molière was a bit of a rebel. He dared to poke fun at the powerful, including the Church. And in those days, that was a risky move. His plays often faced censorship, and he made enemies in high places. Ironically (and tragically), it was on stage, during a performance of his play Le Malade Imaginaire (The Imaginary Invalid), that he suffered a coughing fit and collapsed. He was, in fact, quite ill in reality.
You’d think that a celebrated playwright would receive a grand send-off, right? Think again.
The Church's Dilemma
The problem? Molière hadn't renounced acting. In 17th-century France, actors were considered…well, a bit déclassé. The Church viewed acting as a profession that encouraged deception and moral laxity. As a result, actors were often denied Christian burial. Imagine the drama! Molière, the master of comedy, facing a real-life tragedy: denied a proper burial because of his profession.
It became a situation where the church, and the powerful people within it, had to decide whether to bury a man who had challenged them so publicly. It was a public relations disaster in the making.
Par Ordre Du Roi: The Royal Intervention
Enter Louis XIV, the Sun King himself! Molière was, after all, the king's favorite playwright. Louis recognized Molière’s genius and understood the impact his plays had on French culture. He was not about to let his favorite entertainer be denied a proper burial, especially given his own fondness for theatrical spectacle and the arts.
After Molière's death, his widow, Armande Béjart, pleaded with the King for intervention. Louis XIV, after some deliberation and delicate negotiations with the Archbishop of Paris, par ordre du roi (by order of the king), decreed that Molière should be buried in consecrated ground.
But not without restrictions, of course. The funeral was to be a quiet, understated affair, taking place at night with only a limited number of attendees. It was a compromise, a way to appease the Church while still honoring Molière's memory.
The Funeral: A Somber Spectacle
So, on February 21, 1673, Molière's funeral took place. It was a far cry from the grand, public spectacle he probably deserved. Instead, it was a hushed, almost secretive event, a stark contrast to the vibrant, boisterous performances he had brought to life on stage.
- Location: Saint-Joseph Cemetery in Paris
- Time: Late at night (to avoid attracting too much attention)
- Attendees: A small group of family members, close friends, and colleagues
- Atmosphere: Somber and subdued
It’s estimated the cost of the funeral was 200 livres. Certainly not chump change, but not extravagant either. The body was carried by four priests and laid to rest in the section of the cemetery reserved for unbaptized children. Some say this was because, technically, actors at the time were considered as good as “unbaptized” by the church. Talk about a final jab!
Molière's Legacy: Beyond the Grave
Despite the controversy surrounding his death and funeral, Molière's legacy endures. His plays are still performed and studied around the world, his characters are as relevant today as they were in the 17th century. He remains a towering figure in French literature and a master of comedic satire.
The story of his funeral serves as a reminder of the power of art, the complexities of social and religious norms, and the courage it takes to challenge the status quo. It's also a testament to the enduring influence of Louis XIV and his role as a patron of the arts. Had the King not intervened, Molière may have been buried in an unmarked grave.
Fun Fact: Molière's tombstone no longer exists. The Saint-Joseph Cemetery was demolished in the late 18th century. However, a plaque commemorating him can be found near the site of the former cemetery.
What Can We Learn?
So, what's the takeaway from all this historical drama?
- Stand up for what you believe in: Molière challenged societal norms with his art, even at personal risk.
- Recognize the power of art: Art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change.
- Be prepared for the consequences: Challenging the status quo often comes with consequences.
- Don't take yourself too seriously: Even in the face of adversity, a sense of humor can be a powerful weapon.
Cultural Reference: Think of the modern-day equivalent. Imagine a celebrity known for pushing boundaries (think a modern musician, comedian, or artist) being denied a specific honor or recognition due to their controversial work. It sparks similar debates about freedom of expression, artistic merit, and the role of social and religious norms.
From 17th-Century Drama to Daily Life
The story of Molière's funeral, par ordre du roi, resonates even today. It reminds us that even in death, our actions and beliefs have consequences. But more importantly, it encourages us to live authentically, to speak our minds, and to stand up for what we believe in, regardless of the potential repercussions.
It also reminds us that even seemingly simple acts, like burying someone with dignity, can become politically charged events. So next time you're facing a difficult decision, remember Molière and his controversial burial. Ask yourself: what is the right thing to do, even if it's not the easy thing to do?
And maybe, just maybe, go watch a Molière play. Appreciate the brilliance of his writing, the wit of his characters, and the timelessness of his themes. And remember, even the greatest comedians have their own moments of tragedy. But their art? Their art lives on.
