Literature Help: The Misanthrope

“The Misanthrope” by French writer Moliere was first performed on 4th of June 1666 at the Theatre du Palais-Royal, Paris, by the King’s Players.

It is also titled “The Cantankerous Lover.” The French title of the play is “Le Misanthrope.” It is a 17th century comedy of manners that has been written in verse.

The play is a very terse satire on the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society. However, it also focuses on the shortcomings which humans possess.

There were several other farces written in the 17th century, but “The Misanthrope” is different from them. Most of the satirists used to present flat characters to criticize the problems in society, but in the present play, the playwright has used dynamic characters such as Alceste and Celimene. They are quite different from the traditional flat characters.

Literature Help: The Misanthrope
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Act Four
Act Five
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis