The Imaginary Invalid 

The Imaginary Invalid was the final play written by Molière. Molière was one of the most important dramatists in French history. His plays were first performed in the seventeenth century and helped change the style of French comic drama. The Imaginary Invalid was first performed in February 1673 in Paris.

The play is about a rich man with severe hypochondria, he decides to set up an arranged marriage, allowing his daughter to marry a doctor in order to have someone to always tend for his medical needs without having to pay the bill. However his daughter, Angelique is already in love with someone else, Cleante. She refuses and is threatened to be sent away to a covent. Toilette the maid and Argan’s brother try to convince him to change his mind. He eventually changes his mind when he realises his wife is only married to him for his money, but knows his daughter will always be their for him. However he would only let Cleante marry his daughter if he became a doctor, until his brother convinces Argan to become a doctor and finally is able to treat himself.

I personally really enjoyed this play and I felt that there were many themes that could be recognised whilst reading it. One of the main themes seemed to be greed, both of Argan's doctors charged him excessive amounts for these remedies, even though they knew there was nothing wrong with him. Greed can also be see through Argan’s wife as she pretends to love him, but she only loves his money and will do anything to get it. Selfishness is another major aspect of the play, this can be seen by Argan refusing to allow his daughter to marry the man she wants due to the fact that he wants to get free medical advice. What I liked most about this play is the assertiveness of the female roles and how they were not afraid to speak their minds, especially Toinette the maid. She showed that you don't have to be part of the upper-class to state you're opinions and be proud of them.