Le divorce du tailleur: Pièce archi-comique en un acte by Ernest Doin

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Le divorce du tailleur: Pièce archi-comique en un acte by Ernest Doin

(4 User reviews) 925

By Eleanor Lambert Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - World Cuisine

Authors: Doin, Ernest, 1809-1891 Published By : Doin, Ernest, 1809-1891

Book Language: French

Okay, picture this: a tailor in 19th-century Quebec, completely fed up with his wife, tries to use the most absurd, outdated law he can find to get a divorce. I’m talking about a piece of legislation so old and bizarre it feels like something from a Monty Python sketch. That’s the hilarious premise of 'Le divorce du tailleur.' This short, one-act play is a forgotten gem of French-Canadian satire. It’s not about grand romance or tragedy; it’s about a grumpy man, a fed-up woman, and a legal loophole that’s utterly ridiculous. The comedy comes from watching this ordinary guy, armed with nothing but his stubbornness and this ancient law, try to argue his way out of marriage in front of a probably very confused notary. It’s fast, it’s funny, and it gives you a brilliant, sideways look at what people argued about 150 years ago. If you need a quick, clever read that will make you chuckle at the timeless absurdity of domestic disputes, this is it.

File: Le divorce du tailleur: Pièce archi-comique en un acte by Ernest Doin

I stumbled across this little play while digging into early Canadian literature, and what a delightful surprise it was. Written in 1856 by Ernest Doin, it’s a snapshot of comedic life in Quebec long before confederation.

The Story

The plot is wonderfully straightforward. Monsieur Tailleur (literally, Mr. Tailor) has decided he's had enough of married life. Instead of a modern counseling session, he digs up an archaic law from the old French regime—the 'Custom of Paris'—that he believes grants him a divorce. His reason? He claims his wife is a poor manager of the household goods. The entire play is essentially a farcical legal hearing. We see the exasperated tailor present his flimsy case, his (rightfully) annoyed wife defend herself, and a notary trying to make sense of the whole mess. The humor is in the sheer pettiness of the argument and the tailor's blind confidence in his terrible legal strategy.

Why You Should Read It

What I love about this play is how human it feels, even after all this time. The tailor isn't a villain; he's just a stubborn, slightly foolish man convinced he's found a clever solution. His wife isn't a passive victim; she has her own voice and her own frustrations. Doin uses this domestic spat to poke fun at legal pedantry, male pride, and the universal comedy of marital discord. It’s a reminder that people have been having the same silly arguments for centuries, just wrapped in different legal or social paper. The language is period-specific, but the emotions are instantly recognizable.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for a few different readers. History lovers will get a kick out of the authentic peek into 19th-century Quebecois society and law. Theatre fans will appreciate it as a sharp, performable piece of short-form comedy. And honestly, anyone who enjoys a smart, quick laugh will find something to love. It’s less than 20 pages, but it packs in more wit and social observation than many novels ten times its length. Think of it as a historical comedy sketch—a brilliant little time capsule that still works.