Rick Steves Paris 2017 by Rick Steves & Steve Smith & Gene Openshaw

Author:Rick Steves & Steve Smith & Gene Openshaw
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalon Publishing
Published: 2016-03-18T04:00:00+00:00

Molière (1622-1675)

In 1804, the great comic playwright was the first to be reburied in Père Lachaise, a publicity stunt that gave instant prestige to the new cemetery.

Born in Paris, Molière was not of noble blood, but as the son of the king’s furniture supervisor, he had connections. The 21-year-old Molière joined a troupe of strolling players who ranked very low on the social scale, touring the provinces. Twelve long years later, they returned to Paris to perform before Louis XIV. Molière, by now an accomplished comic actor, cracked the king up. He was instantly famous—writing, directing, and often starring in his own works. He satirized rich nobles, hypocritical priests, and quack doctors, creating enemies in high places.

On February 17, 1675, an aging Molière went on stage in the title role of his latest comedy, The Imaginary Invalid. Though sick, he insisted he had to go on, concerned for all the little people. His role was of a hypochondriac who coughs to get sympathy. The deathly ill Molière effectively faked coughing fits...which soon turned to real convulsions. The unaware crowd roared with laughter while his fellow players fretted in the wings.

In the final scene, Molière’s character becomes a doctor himself in a mock swearing-in ceremony. The ultimate trouper, Molière finished his final line—“Juro” (“I accept”)—and collapsed while coughing blood. The audience laughed hysterically. He died shortly thereafter.

Irony upon irony for the master of satire: Molière—a sick man whose doctors thought he was a hypochondriac—dies playing a well man who is a hypochondriac, succumbing onstage while the audience cheers.

Molière lies next to his friend and fellow writer, La Fontaine (1621-1695), who wrote a popular version of Aesop’s Fables.

“We die only once, and for such a long time.”

—Molière

• Continue downhill on Chemin Molière et La Fontaine (which becomes the paved Chemin du Bassin), and turn left where it ends on Avenue de la Chapelle. Twenty steps down, find the ticket-littered grave of Gilbert Morard, father of the Paris Métro. Add your Métro ticket and continue to the Rond Point roundabout intersection.

Cross Carrefour Rond Point and continue straight (opposite where you entered, on unmarked Chemin de la Bédoyère). Just a few steps along, turn right onto Chemin Lauriston. Keep to the left at the fork (now on Chemin de Lesseps), and look (immediately) for the temple on the right with three wreaths. Jim Morrison lies just behind, often watched over by a personal security guard. You can’t miss the commotion.

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