The Misanthrope by Molière (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of The Misanthrope by Molière. It provides a thorough exploration of the play’s plot, characters and main themes, including hypocrisy, love and human relationships. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 58-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Molière
• Presentation of The Misanthrope
• Summary of The Misanthrope
• Character study
  • Alceste
  • Célimène
  • Philinte
  • Éliante
  • Oronte
  • Arsinoé
  • The marquesses
• Analysis of The Misanthrope
  • A moderate comedy
  • A world of pretence
  • The value of words
  • 17^th-century theatre
  • The Misanthrope’s legacy

About The Misanthrope

The Misanthrope depicts a man who prides himself on his total honesty and frankness, which brings him into conflict with the shallow, duplicitous characters around him. This satire of manners therefore draws attention to the hypocrisy of court life in 17^th-century France, and has a darker side that makes it somewhat atypical of Molière’s comedies.

The Misanthrope is widely considered to be a masterpiece, and is one of Molière’s best-known plays.

About Molière

Molière, real name Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was a French dramatist, actor and theatre troupe leader. He decided to pursue a career in the theatre at an early age, and spent 12 years performing in the provinces with his troupe before returning to Paris, where he caught the eye of King Louis XIV and was taken into his service. He is best known for his comedies, such as The Misanthrope, The Imaginary Invalid and The Misanthrope, which used humor to criticise the vices of the society of his time. Molière was one of the most influential dramatists of the 17^th century, and many of his plays are still regularly performed today.