Pierre de Marivaux (4 February 1688 – 12 February 1763) was a French novelist and playwright, considered to be on the of the most important playwrights of the 18th century.
Pierre Carlet de Chamblain de Marivaux was born in Paris, France to financier whose name was Carlet. Later the father took on the surname of Chamblain, and after that Marivaux.
Even though Marivaux’s first play, Père prudent et equitable, was not published until 1712 when he was 24, it is thought Marivaux written it when he was 18.
As a young writer, Marivaux concentrated on writing novels, not plays. In fact, he wrote three novels from 1713 to 1715. The novels were inspired by Spanish romances, as well as novels about heroes from the preceding century, including a take on Don Quixote called Le Don Quichotte modern.
Marivaux was known as a witty speaker. Even though a good-natured fellow, he was known to say mean things and quick to accept favors. However, even though he could dish it out, he couldn’t take responses in kind and was very sensitive when he was slighted.
During the early part of the 1720, Marivaux wrote several successful comedies, and married Mlle Martin (1721), who unfortunately died soon after. At the same time he invested in the Mississippi Company, a French corporation holding a monopoly in French colonies. Even though they had a monopoly, the Mississippi company went bankrupt due to a wild speculation about the wealth that could be found in Louisiana, and a marketing campaign which touted as such. Along with many others, Marivaux lost all his money to, what is now known as, The Mississippi Scheme, and now had to rely on his writing to make a living.
The author attempted to start a weekly newspaper, the Spectateur Français. He was the sole contributor, and due to faulty work ethics the paper folded after two years.
Scholars believe that Marivaux wrote between 30 to 40 plays, as well as writing for newspapers.
One of Marivaux’s greatest works, Marianne, a novel in eleven parts was first published in 1731. The author continued the novel, in parts, for the next 11 years, but never finished it.
Marivaux’s literary work featured an element called Marivaudage. This is when the characters tell each other, as well as the reader, everything they think, thought, or might have thought.
Zohar — Man of la Book
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Fun Facts Friday: Pierre de Marivaux
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Pierre de Marivaux (4 February 1688 – 12 February 1763) was a French novelist and playwright, considered to be on the of the most important playwrights of the 18th century.
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Man of la Book
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Man of la Book
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