THE IMAGINARY INVALID

"The Imaginary Invalid" is a comedy play by French playwright Molière. The play tells the story of Argan, a hypochondriac who constantly fears he is becoming ill, and who spends all his money on doctors and medicines. Argan's wife, Béline, is scheming to get control of his fortune, while his daughter, Angélique, is in love with the young and handsome Cléante. Argan, hoping to have a doctor in the family, wants to force Angélique to marry his own doctor, despite her love for Cléante. With the help of the cunning servant Toinette, the young couple works together to thwart Argan's plans and expose Béline's true motives. The play is a satire of the medical profession, the aristocracy, and the greed that can infect families. It is a hilarious and witty work that highlights the absurdity of obsession and the power of love.