So, you're holding a big book of French plays from the 1600s. Sounds intimidating, right? Let me tell you why it's not. Molière wasn't writing for scholars in ivory towers; he was writing for the public, to make them laugh and think. This second volume collects some of his most famous works from his peak years.

The Story

There isn't one single story. This is a collection of separate plays, each a perfect little world of chaos. In The Miser, we meet Harpagon, a man who loves his money box more than his own children. The plot spins around his desperate attempts to marry his kids off for profit while protecting his hidden treasure. In The Imaginary Invalid, Argan is a wealthy man convinced he's dying of a hundred different diseases. The fun comes from watching him get swindled by doctors and schemed against by his own family. Then there's The Would-Be Gentleman, where a rich merchant, Monsieur Jourdain, pays through the nose for ridiculous lessons to act like nobility. Each play follows a similar, satisfying arc: a foolish person's obsession gets completely out of hand, leading to a big, public, and very funny comeuppance.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it feels alive. Molière had a genius for spotting the kinds of people who make life difficult. The miser, the snob, the hypocrite, the know-it-all—we've all met them. His characters aren't just historical figures; they're your annoying neighbor, that guy from work, or even a part of yourself you recognize. The comedy isn't just about silly disguises and slamming doors (though there's plenty of that). It's about the universal truth that when we let our worst traits run wild, we become ridiculous. Reading these plays, you're not just getting a history lesson; you're getting a mirror held up to human nature, and it's a very funny mirror.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves sharp, character-driven comedy. If you're a fan of sitcoms like Frasier or Arrested Development, where the humor comes from deeply flawed people trapped in their own lies, you'll feel right at home. It's also a great pick for theater lovers who want to see where modern comedy came from. Don't be scared off by the 'Complete Works' title or the publication date. Open it up, pick a play, and meet some of the funniest, most frustrating characters ever written. You'll be surprised how much you have in common with 17th-century Paris.