At a Glance:

Full Title The Misanthrope or Le Misanthrope

AuthorMolière

In-depth Facts:

Type of WorkPlay

GenreSatire; farce

LanguageFrench

Time and place writtenEarly 1660s, Paris

Date of first publication1666

ToneIn satirizing French aristocracy, Molière strikes a light, but critical tone. With his deft use of irony, he exposes the hypocrisies of Célimène, her suitors, and the protagonist, Alceste—although Molière's judgment of Alceste is less severe than his critique of others. Molière praises reason and compromise while condemning extremism in any form. The Misanthrope is undoubtedly a comedy, but undertones of social dysfunction and true personal anguish are present.

Setting (time)Late seventeenth century

Setting (place)Célimène's elegant home in Paris

ProtagonistAlceste

Major conflictAlceste's difficulty in reconciling his set of values with his love for the young, carefree, and flirtatious Célimène

Rising ActionAlceste learns of Célimène's deception and seeks her out to find out the whole truth; Alceste loses his court case and risks arrest by staying in Paris

ClimaxCélimène's suitors learn that she has insulted all of them in a letter; Alceste decides to retire from society for good

Falling ActionAlceste rejects Célimène's offer to marry him when she refuses to seek solitude with him; Philinte and Éliante plan to discourage Alceste from leaving society

ThemesThe hypocrisies of social behavior; the acceptance of human flaw; the irrationality of love; the rationality of compromise

MotifsThe legal system; letters; deal-making

SymbolsCélimène's house; Oronte's poem; Alceste's "rustic solitude"

ForeshadowingOronte reacts angrily to Alceste's criticism, foreshadowing Oronte's legal action against Alceste; Éliante appreciates Philinte's expression of attraction to her, foreshadowing their eventual relationship; Célimène holds a gossip session with her suitors, foreshadowing her later betrayal of the same suitors with her gossip

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