The Misanthrope by Molière (1666)

What happens when a man becomes so committed to honesty that he can no longer tolerate the hypocrisy and social games of the world around him? In this episode, we explore The Misanthrope, the celebrated comedy by Molière, first performed in 1666. The play follows Alceste, a fiercely principled man who despises flattery, deception, and the superficial manners of high society, even as he finds himself entangled in its intrigues. Join us as we examine Molière's sharp satire of social conventions, the tension between honesty and diplomacy, and why this witty and thought-provoking comedy continues to resonate with audiences more than 350 years after its debut.