The Misanthrope

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known popularly by his stage name Moli鋨e, is regarded as one of the masters of French comedic drama. When Moli鋨e began acting in Paris there were two well-established theatrical companies, those of the H矌el de Bourgogne and the Marais. Joining these theatrical companies would have been impossible for a new member of the acting profession like Moli鋨e and thus he performed with traveling troupes of actors in the French provinces. It was during this period that Moli鋨e would refine his skills as both an actor and a writer. Eventually his reputation would increase allowing him to return to Paris where he gained the patronage of Philippe I, Duke of Orl嶧ns, the brother of the King of France, Louis XIV. In this volume one of Moli鋨e's most popular works is presented, one in which the author draws upon his bourgeoisie upbringing in 17th century France. "The Misanthrope" is a comedy of errors which satirizes the hypocrisies of French aristocratic society. The story is concerned with the relationship between Alceste, a French gentleman who laments the superficiality of society life, and C幨im鋝e, a woman who epitomizes the courtly manners that Alceste despises. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, is translated by Henri Van Laun, and includes an introduction by Eleanor F. Jourdain.