El Avaro / El Enfermo Imaginario : Book Review

"El Avaro" and "El Enfermo Imaginario" are two iconic plays written by the renowned French playwright Molière. This book offers a bilingual experience, presenting both plays in their original French and also in a Spanish translation.

"El Avaro" tells the story of Harpagon, a greedy and miserly character who places a higher value on wealth than anything else. His obsession with money leads him to sacrifice the happiness of his own children and those around him. Molière masterfully uses humor and wit to engage the audience while delivering a moral message about the dangers of greed and the corrupting influence of wealth.

On the other hand, "El Enfermo Imaginario" is a comedy that satirizes the prevalent attitude of hypochondria during Molière's time. The play revolves around Argan, a wealthy man who believes he is seriously ill and spends an excessive amount of time and money on doctors and unnecessary treatments. Through hilarious situations and clever dialogue, Molière exposes the absurdity of hypochondria while highlighting the importance of a balanced approach to health.

In both plays, Molière showcases his talent for creating memorable and comedic characters. His sharp wit and insightful commentary on human nature make these plays enduring classics. The inclusion of the original French text alongside the Spanish translation allows readers to appreciate the beauty and nuances of Molière's language, offering a rich and immersive reading experience.

Whether you are already familiar with Molière's work or encountering it for the first time, "El Avaro" and "El Enfermo Imaginario" provide valuable insight into the playwright's genius and his contribution to the world of theater. These plays not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection on societal issues such as greed and hypochondria. The enduring relevance of Molière's work is a testament to his skill in delivering profound messages through humor and satire.

What are readers saying?

French playwright Molière is known for his plays El Avaro and El Enfermo Imaginario. These works have garnered mixed reviews from readers on Goodreads.

El Avaro centers around a wealthy and miserly old man named Harpagon. Readers have praised Molière's clever humor and satirical portrayal of the miserly character. Many found the play's comedic elements highly enjoyable. However, some readers found the plot to be predictable and the characters lacking depth and complexity.

El Enfermo Imaginario revolves around the hypochondriac Argan. Readers have found this play to be humorous and engaging, with Molière's sharp wit shining through. Many appreciated the playwright's ability to address serious subjects like healthcare and societal expectations in a comedic manner. However, a few readers felt that the play's darker themes overshadowed its humor, finding it somewhat unsettling.

Overall, readers have appreciated Molière's skill in blending humor and satire in both plays. They admired his ability to comment on societal issues while still entertaining the audience. However, some felt that the plays were too predictable and lacked character development.

Some readers also found the writing style and language in these plays challenging, requiring additional effort to understand and appreciate the content. Despite this, many still found the plays enjoyable and recommended them as worthwhile reads for fans of classic comedic literature.

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