Le Médecin malgré lui

Sganarelle, a poor woodcutter, makes life a living hell for his wife and family by spending what little he earns on food and drink.

As she is plotting, she hears two passing servants of a rich man mention their frustration at being unable to find a doctor who can cure their master's daughter's mysterious illness.

The play ends with a classical moment of deus ex machina; with Lucinde's love, Geronte's wishes, and Sganarelle's fate being neatly and happily resolved.

I can't imagine what put that whim into their heads; but when I saw that they were resolved to force me to be a doctor, I made up my mind to be one at the expense of those I might have to do with.

[3]Molière's play was adapted by Henry Fielding as The Mock Doctor, and Charles Gounod wrote an opera using a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré closely based on the play, also entitled Le médecin malgré lui and using Molière words in places.