Der eingebildete Kranke

A Comedy by Molière

THIS WORLD, THIS NEWS, THESE PEOPLE ARE MAKING HIM COMPLETELY SICK! His pulse , digestion, motor functions—his entire body is an overflowing wellspring of suffering. Argan has devoted his entire existence to illness, much to the delight of his attending physician, Purgon, who charges exorbitant fees for daily enemas and specialized treatments. But nothing brings true healing. Wouldn’t it be safest,
to have a doctor permanently in one’s own family? Argan decides to marry his daughter Angélique to Purgon’s son Thomas, thereby securing comprehensive medical and family care. But unfortunately, Thomas is a rather unpleasant oaf, and besides, Angélique has already given her heart to Cléante—marrying anyone else is out of the question for her. Argan is furious and is determined
on the verge of sending his daughter to a convent. His wife, Béline, has been recommending this for quite some time anyway, since then she could plunder her husband’s wealth undisturbed and lay claim to Angélique’s future inheritance. Fortunately, however, Angélique has an ally in the maid Toinette, who throws herself wholeheartedly
true love with great verve.