"The Misanthrope" is a play written by French playwright Molière, first performed in 1666. The play satirizes the society of Molière's time, particularly the hypocrisy and insincerity of its upper-class inhabitants. It is a timeless classic that has continued to resonate with audiences and readers over the centuries, and it remains relevant even today.

At its core, "The Misanthrope" is a play about truth and honesty. The main character, Alceste, is a man who is disgusted by the social conventions of his time, particularly the flattery and insincerity that he sees all around him. He longs for a society in which people speak honestly and openly to one another, regardless of the consequences. However, he soon discovers that his quest for truth is a lonely one, as the rest of society is more concerned with maintaining their social standing and avoiding conflict.

One of the strengths of the play is its characterization. Alceste is a complex and multifaceted character, who is both admirable and frustrating in equal measure. On one hand, he is a man of great integrity and courage, who is willing to speak his mind even if it means alienating those around him. On the other hand, he is a man who is unable to compromise or see shades of gray in situations, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The other characters in the play are also well-drawn, with their flaws and weaknesses exposed in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.

Another strength of the play is its use of language. Molière's dialogue is sharp, witty, and filled with memorable lines that have become famous over time. The play is a masterclass in the art of satire, with Molière using his characters and their dialogue to poke fun at the social conventions of his time. However, the play is not just a collection of clever one-liners; it also has a strong emotional core, with moments of genuine pathos and tragedy that are all the more powerful because of the humor that surrounds them.

In conclusion, "The Misanthrope" is a classic play that remains relevant today, due in large part to its timeless themes of truth, honesty, and the flaws of society. Molière's skillful characterization and use of language make the play a pleasure to read or watch, and its insights into the human condition ensure that it will continue to be performed and appreciated for generations to come.

A great comedy with some great lines.

"my love for that young widow's not the kind
That cant perceive defects; no, I'm not blind
I see her faults, despite my ardent love,
And all i see I fervently reprove.
And yet I'm weak; for all her falsity,
That woman knows the art of pleasing me"

Classic.

2,5 stars

I don't think that I've really understood what the story was supposed to be about and after reading The Miser (which was really good) this was a disappointment. I couldn't really get used to the fact that it was told in rhymes, it felt so weird unlike for example Shakespeare's rhymes which fit into his plays so well. Here the rhymes were sort of annoying and ill-fitted. It was also quite short and you didn't really get to meet any of the characters. To me, everyone was unlikable maybe except for Elianta.

Sporadic plot, with ellipses here and there.
The hero was actively critical, yet too naive.
Love triangle (if not a polygon), yet no real passion.

Never made me laugh, or sigh, or empathize, or disgust.
Still better than Dyskolos. Woe from wit coming next.

Alceste is just like me fr fr

This book was funny but also a challenge to read and Monsieur Jourdain's naivety chipped away at my sanity