Motif of Disguise

―Molière, Marivaux, Hugo―

Abstract

In Les Précieuses ridicules (1659) of Molière, two young bourgeois ladies long for the affected manners of the court. They are shamed to find themselves captivated by two valets in the disguise of noblemen. Moliere does not agree to the idea of transcending class barriers for any reason

In Le Jeu de l'amour et du hasard (1730) of Marivaux, Dorante wants to test the character of Silvia by disguising himself as a valet. A similar idea makes her disguise herself as a maid. They are attracted to each other and decide to overcome their social prejudices. For Marivaux, it is possible to clear the barrier of class, though, as a result, each of our heroes chooses a suitable partner belonging to the same class.

In Ruy Blas (1838) of Victor Hugo, a lackey called Ruy Blas, sent to the court as a nobleman, wins the Queen's favor. When he reveals his true identity, the Queen, repelled at first, forgives him at the very moment of his death. Hugo seems to insist that love can overcome the barrier of class.

The passage from Molière to Hugo via Marivaux coincides marvelously with the evolution of the bourgeoisie and the popularization of the idea of equality during last three centuries in France.