This week we pair two early-modern comedies that show how laughter can reveal truth. But first, we do a quick review of European history, looking at France, Spain, Italy and England, trying to place the things we're reading inside history. (I knew next to nothing about Spain at this time so it was really helpful for me!)
Cervantes’ Don Quixote (1605) introduces a middle-aged dreamer who decides to become a knight-errant, setting out with his baffled squire Sancho Panza to defend honor and right wrongs. The famous windmill scene is only the start of his misadventures. Quixote is absurd yet strangely noble—so devoted to his ideals that he reshapes reality around them. His neighbors burn his books, a shepherdess defends her independence, and somehow, amid the chaos, it’s all deeply human.
Molière’s Tartuffe (1664) offers lighter, sharper satire. The pious fraud Tartuffe charms his way into Orgon’s household, scheming for both wife and wealth while the women—wife, daughter, and maid—quietly outsmart him. The play’s snappy dialogue and quick pacing make it pure joy, right up until its too-neat royal ending.
Both works explore self-delusion and sincerity, showing how belief, hypocrisy, and humor can coexist. This week’s music—Spanish piano by Isaac Albéniz and Enrique Granados—was the perfect accompaniment: bright, bold, and unexpected.
We'll be back next week with a look at The Prince (Machiavelli) and The Social Contract (Rousseau). See you then!
LINK
Ted Gioia/The Honest Broker’s 12-Month Immersive Humanities Course (paywalled!)
My Amazon Book List (NOT an affiliate link)
CONNECT
The complete list of Crack the Book Episodes: https://cheryldrury.substack.com/p/crack-the-book-start-here?r=u3t2r
To read more of my writing, visit my Substack - https://www.cheryldrury.substack.com.
Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cldrury/
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GpySInw1e8IqNQvXow7Lv?si=9ebd5508daa245bd
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crack-the-book/id1749793321
Captivate - https://crackthebook.captivate.fm
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!