The School for Husbands: Analysis of Major Characters
"The School for Husbands" is a comedic play that explores themes of love, freedom, and the contrasting styles of guardianship through its major characters. Sganarelle is a strict guardian who oversees his ward, Isabelle, and believes in a severe approach to prepare her for marriage, reflecting a traditional view of control. In contrast, his brother Ariste adopts a more affectionate and lenient parenting style, allowing his ward Léonor the freedom to choose her own path, which ultimately leads her to confess her love for him. Isabelle, despite Sganarelle's attempts to confine her, cleverly orchestrates a romance with Valère, demonstrating her resourcefulness and desire for autonomy. Valère, as Isabelle's lover, becomes the catalyst for her rebellion against Sganarelle's authority. Léonor's relationship with Ariste highlights the potential for love to flourish in an environment of trust and respect. The play ultimately juxtaposes the dynamics of power and affection in relationships, inviting audiences to consider the implications of different forms of guidance in romantic encounters.
The School for Husbands: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Molière
First published: 1661 as L'École des maris (English translation, 1732)
Genre: Play
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: Seventeenth century
Sganarelle (zgah-nah-REHL), a gentleman entrusted with the guardianship of Isabelle, who was orphaned by the death of her father. Scorning his brother Ariste's leniency in the up-bringing of Léonor, Isabelle's sister, Sganarelle attempts to govern his ward by severity and keeps her confined at home in preparation for marriage to him. In spite of his surveil-lance, Isabelle manages to fall in love with Valère and to trick her guardian into arranging a marriage ceremony for her and her lover.
Ariste (ah-REEST), Sganarelle's brother and the guardian of Isabelle's sister, Léonor. Disapproving of his brother's strictness in bringing up his ward, Ariste governs by affection and allows freedom to Léonor, whom he loves enough to leave to her the choice of a husband. Returning from a ball, she declares that she loves only her guardian and wishes to marry him immediately.
Isabelle (ee-zah-BEHL), Sganarelle's ward. Confined at home and strictly guarded by her guardian, she manages nevertheless to fall in love with Valère. By a series of deceptions, the lovers trick Sganarelle into arranging meetings and, finally, their marriage.
Léonor (lay-oh-NOHR), Isabelle's sister and Ariste's ward. Allowed the freedom to come and go at will by her lenient guardian, she learns to love him and confesses her willingness to marry him whenever he wishes.
Valère (vah-LEHR), Isabelle's lover, with whom she deceives Sganarelle.