Books Quote by Lytton Strachey
“In the literature of France Moliere occupies the same kind of position as Cervantes in that of Spain, Dante in that of Italy, and Shakespeare in that of England. His glory is more than national - it is universal.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Critics and the Reviewers, 1915
Molière’s cultural impact rivals that of other national literary giants, showing his work transcends French borders.
In simple terms: Molière is universally important, not just French.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge universal artistic value.
Themes
literature
culture
universality
Mood
appreciative
reflective
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- theatre education
- cross‑cultural studies
- global literature curricula
Key Concepts
comparative literature
canonical status
Questions to Reflect On
- How does Molière influence modern theatre?
- What makes a work universal?
A Different Perspective
Comparison may overlook distinct cultural contexts.
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but can- not please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/346/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_728403.jpg)
![“He [Moliere] pleases all the world, but cannot please himself.” quote by Nicolas Boileau-Despreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/812/nicolas-boileau-despreaux-1070_can-not_he-moliere-pleases-all-the-world-but-can_20665.jpg)
![“Salvador [Dali] was brought up in Spain, a country colored by the legends of Hannibal, El Greco, and Cervantes. I was brought up in Ohio, a region steeped in the tradition of Coxey's Army, the Anti-Saloon League, and William Howard Taft.” quote by James Thurber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6b/james-thurber-1534_army_salvador-dali-was-brought-up-in-spain-a_39625.jpg)
