The Imaginary Invalid (1673)

Argan is the epitome of the fool - he is so concerned with himself and is pleased to be the center of attention by way of his poor health. There is the requisite romantic couple who look to be thwarted because of this man's foolishness. But with the help of the impudent maid, everything is put to rights, though nothing can make Argan a rational creature! ( )

Moliére's "Le malade imaginaire" from 1673 is a very angry comedy against the practices of doctors and pharmacists. The protagonist Argon is a hypochondriac and is being exploited by his doctors to buy various medicaments - they invent new illnesses and possible cures to make a good business out of Argon. The drama begins when the presumingly sick man wants to marry his daughter off to the son of a doctor to always have a medic in his family. His daughter, of course, is already in love with somebody else and is therefore resisting. Oh, and then there is Argon's wife that only wants his heirloom...

I haven't seen this piece as a play yet, still I had to grin quiet a few times while reading. As typical for Moliére the situation is absurd on its own, but not really distant from reality. All in all it's a nice, short book that can be read on one evening. ( )

This is the story of Argan, a hypochrondriac that wants to marry his daughter to a doctor in order to have one in the family. It is a typical comedy, with people is disguise, and various alliances among characters, and misunderstandings that lead to absurdity.

This play is also an attack on the medical profession, with their self-interest in keeping patients sick in order to sell cures and bill for their services.

Entertaining, quick read. ( )