
The Misanthrope
Moliere · 1666
Alceste hates social hypocrisy but falls in love with the biggest flirt at court. Moliere wrote his darkest comedy here: the man who insists on total honesty turns out to be as self-deluded as everyone he despises. Moliere played Alceste himself. The role is considered the Hamlet of French theater.
Drama · the Pro canon
The case for it, the case against, and the rest of the canon open with Pro.