Misanthrope

The main character of this classicist comedy in verse is Alceste, a man so critical and estranged from others that his behaviour has given rise to the term 'misanthropy'. Alceste is in love with Célimène, who also has her human flaws, including accepting the attention of other men. But can Alceste, with such strict moral principles and consistent honesty, even live in society? And is the solution to avoiding hypocrisy and lies to simply retreat somewhere into seclusion? The witty dialogues, lively language, and polished verbal sparring undoubtedly make The Misanthrope Molière's finest work.