Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was baptized in Paris. France. on January 15. 1622. His father, Jean Poquelin, was a furniture merchant who, in 163], was appointed chief provider of furnishings for the home of King Louis XIV. Molière's mother, Marie Cresse, died when he was ten years old, and in 1633, his father remarried. Molière received his education at the Jesuit College de Clermont, after which he studied law and was admitted to the Bar in 1641. After practicing law for six months, however, Molière informed his father, who had expected his son to inherit his court appointment, that he wished to pursue a career in the theater.

In 1643, he joined the newly formed theater company the L'Illustre-Theatre, soon taking the stage name of Molière. The company suffered financial troubles, however, and Molière was briefly jailed for debt in...