The Learned Women

"The Learned Women" by Molière is a comedic play from the 1600s that explores the clash between traditional family life and the pursuit of knowledge. The story follows Chrysale, a regular guy, and his wife Philaminte, who wants to educate their daughters, Armande and Henriette, to be intellectuals, causing conflict in the household. The play kicks off with the sisters, Armande and Henriette, disagreeing about marriage; Armande rejects it to focus on learning, while Henriette wants to marry Clitandre, whom she loves. This sets up a rivalry when Clitandre shows his love for Henriette, making Armande jealous. The play uses humor to look at how societal expectations of women collide with intellectual ambitions and the pursuit of love.