A Selection from the Comedies of Marivaux   By: Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux (1688-1763)

A Selection from the Comedies of Marivaux offers readers a remarkable glimpse into the witty and sophisticated world of Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux. Through a carefully chosen compilation of his comedies, this book captures the essence of Marivaux's genius and his ability to paint vivid portraits of human nature.

Marivaux's plays are known for their subtle exploration of the complexities of love, desire, and the games people play in pursuit of happiness. This selection presents five of his most celebrated works, each demonstrating his sharp observance of social conventions and his exceptional talent for crafting dialogue that combines elegance and humor.

One of the standout plays in this collection is The Game of Love and Chance, a masterpiece that embodies Marivaux's signature style. The story revolves around a young woman, Silvia, who switches places with her maid in order to test her suitor's true intentions. Through a series of cleverly orchestrated encounters, Marivaux masterfully weaves together confusion, mistaken identities, and a powerful exploration of the nature of love.

Another gem among these comedies is The Triumph of Love, a delightful tale where the protagonist, disguised as a man, must overcome numerous obstacles in order to win the affection of her beloved. Marivaux's exploration of gender roles adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative and showcases his ability to infuse depth into seemingly light-hearted plots.

Throughout the book, Marivaux's characters are brought to life with remarkable depth. Their hopes, fears, and desires resonate with readers, making them feel as if they are voyeurs peering into the hidden corners of human emotions. Marivaux's ability to capture these nuances is a testament to his prowess as a writer and his keen understanding of human psychology.

The translation of these comedies is skillfully executed, capturing the essence of Marivaux's writing while making them accessible to a wider audience. The rhythm and flow of the language remain intact, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty of Marivaux's prose.

Overall, A Selection from the Comedies of Marivaux is a treat for lovers of classic literature and fans of comedy alike. It serves as an excellent introduction to the works of Marivaux, offering a taste of his brilliance and his timeless relevance. With its astute observations of human nature, witty dialogue, and enchanting plots, this collection is certain to captivate and entertain readers for years to come.

First Page:

That so typical a representative of eighteenth century society, so gracious a personality, so charming a writer, and so superior a genius as Marivaux should be not only unedited, but practically unknown to the American reading public, is a matter of surprise. His brilliant comedies, written in an easy prose, and free from all impurities of thought or expression, offer peculiarly attractive texts for our classes. It is for these reasons that this edition was undertaken. The plays chosen, le Jeu de l'Amour et du Hasard , le Legs , and les Fausses Confidences are generally considered his best plays, and are fortunately free from dialect, which, in the mouths of certain characters of l'Épreuve and of la Mère confidente , charming as are these comedies, makes them undesirable for study in college or school. The text of les Fausses Confidences is that of 1758 (Paris, Duchesne, 5 vols.), the last collective edition published during the lifetime of the author, that of le Legs , from the edition of 1740 (Paris, Prault père, 4 vols... Continue reading book >>