Picture Paris in the 1660s. Harpagon, an aging widower with more money than sense, runs his household like a prison camp. He suspects everyone—his children, his servants, even the horses—of trying to steal from him. His son Cléante is in love with Mariane, a kind young woman with little money. His daughter Élise loves Valère, who works as Harpagon's steward. Everything should be simple, right?

The Story

Not when Harpagon gets involved. He announces two plans that blow up the family: he'll marry Mariane himself (yes, his son's beloved), and he'll marry off Élise to a rich old man who doesn't need a dowry. Suddenly, everyone's scrambling. Cléante tries to borrow money through shady channels, not realizing the loan shark is his own father. Valère and Élise plot in secret. The servants sabotage their master at every turn. The whole mess explodes when Harpagon's prized money box disappears, sending him into a frenzy that makes the earlier drama look tame.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the magic: Harpagon isn't just cheap—he's emotionally bankrupt. He measures everything in coins. His love for his children comes with price tags. When his treasure disappears, he wails like he's lost a person, screaming for the police to arrest his money. Molière shows us how greed doesn't just empty wallets; it empties souls. The comedy works because we've all encountered modern Harpagons—the relative who brings calculator to dinner, the friend who 'forgets' their wallet. The play feels fresh because human nature hasn't changed. We still confuse wealth with worth.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys sharp social satire or family dramas where everyone's keeping secrets. If you like shows about terrible, entertaining people (think Succession but with wigs), you'll love this. Theater fans will appreciate the classic farce structure—slamming doors, mistaken identities, servants outsmarting masters. It's surprisingly quick to read (about two hours), and the translation by Richard Wilbur keeps the rhymes sparkling. Don't let the 17th-century setting scare you—the jokes about money, love, and family dysfunction are timeless.