French author and playwright known for his comedies and farces that satirized the French bourgeoisie, influencing the development of 18th-century French theatre.
PierreClaude Nivelle de La Chausse, a French dramatist born on February 14, 1692, in Paris, is renowned for blurring the lines between comedy and tragedy with his innovative genre, comédie larmoyante. This unique style of playwriting, which aimed to evoke tears rather than laughter, revolutionized French literature and paved the way for a new wave of domestic dramas.
La Chausse was forty years old before he produced his first play, La Fausse Antipathie, in 1734. His second play, Le Préjugé à la mode, followed in 1735, and its success dispelled the fear of ridicule felt by a man in love with his own wife, a prejudice that was prevalent in France at the time. This play marked a significant milestone in La Chausse's career, as it showcased his ability to tackle complex social issues through his writing.
La Chausse's play, Mélanide, published in 1741, is considered one of the earliest examples of comédie larmoyante. This new genre of playwriting focused on evoking tears rather than laughter, thereby destroying the sharp distinction between tragedy and comedy in French literature. La Chausse's innovative approach paved the way for prominent playwrights like Diderot and Sedaine to experiment with domestic drama.
La Chausse's new method of playwriting did not go unchallenged. Critics like Alexis Piron and Voltaire ridiculed his work, with Voltaire even suggesting that La Chausse was incapable of producing either tragedy or comedy. However, the public's response was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences shedding tears nightly over the sorrows of La Chausse's heroines.
These plays, among others, form the best of La Chausse's work, showcasing his ability to tackle complex social issues and evoke strong emotions in his audience.
PierreClaude Nivelle de La Chausse's innovative approach to playwriting has had a lasting impact on French literature. His contribution to the development of comédie larmoyante paved the way for a new wave of domestic dramas, influencing prominent playwrights and shaping the course of French theatre.
Today, La Chausse is remembered as a pioneering dramatist who dared to challenge the conventions of French theatre, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence playwrights to this day.
Born in 1622
A 17th-century master of comedy, he penned witty plays that satirized the French aristocracy, leaving a lasting impact on Western theater. His works remain widely performed and adapted today.
Born in 1639
A 17th-century master of French tragedy, crafting intricate, psychologically complex dramas that probed the human condition, influencing the development of Western theatre.
Born in 1606
A 17th-century French mastermind behind iconic plays like "Le Cid" and "Horace", known for pioneering the classical French tragedy genre.
Born in 1694
A witty and insightful 18th-century writer and philosopher who used satire to critique societal norms and advocate for reason, tolerance, and human rights.
Born in 1712
A pioneering thinker who shaped modern democracy and education with his ideas on social contracts, general will, and the importance of early childhood education. His writings influenced the French Revolution and modern political thought.
Born in 1741
A witty and insightful French writer who penned biting social commentary and clever aphorisms, known for his sharp observations on human nature and society.
