The Misanthrope

The Misanthrope, translated by Richard Wilbur, presents Molière's 17th-century French comedic play in verse form. The story centers on Alceste, a man who despises society's hypocrisies and insists on absolute honesty in all matters. The plot follows Alceste's romantic pursuit of Célimène, a young widow whose behavior represents everything he claims to hate about society. Their relationship becomes entangled with various members of the French court, leading to conflicts between social expectations and personal principles. The narrative unfolds through sharp dialogue and satirical encounters in the salons of Paris, showcasing the manners and pretenses of high society. Wilbur's translation maintains the original's rhyming couplets while making the text accessible to modern readers. Molière's play explores timeless tensions between sincerity and social harmony, questioning whether complete honesty is possible or even desirable in human relationships. The work continues to resonate as a commentary on the masks people wear and the price of nonconformity.

Readers appreciate Wilbur's translation for maintaining the rhyming couplets of Molière's original French while using natural, modern English. Many note that the verse flows smoothly in performance and remains accessible to contemporary audiences. Specific praise focuses on the humor carrying through effectively and the preservation of social commentary relevant to modern times. One reader called it "the rare translation that works as both literature and theater." Common criticisms mention that some of the rhymes feel forced or artificial. Several readers found the formal language occasionally stiff compared to other translations. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (40+ ratings) Representative review from a theater director on Amazon: "Of all available translations, Wilbur's best captures both the wit and the bite of Molière's critique of social hypocrisy. The language sings on stage." A frequent student comment: "Much easier to follow than expected for a 17th-century play in verse."

Tartuffe by Molière This play explores religious hypocrisy and social deception through sharp wit and rhyming verse, mirroring The Misanthrope's examination of societal facades.

The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan The plot centers on reputation, rumor, and social criticism in high society through satirical dialogue and complex character relationships.

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde The characters navigate social conventions and false identities in Victorian society through clever wordplay and satirical commentary.

The Way of the World by William Congreve This Restoration comedy presents intricate plots and witty repartee while exposing the machinations of love and marriage in aristocratic society.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare The story combines romantic comedy with social critique through sophisticated verbal sparring and examination of truth versus appearance.

🎭 Although The Misanthrope was originally written by Molière in 1666, Richard Wilbur's 1955 translation is considered a masterwork of verse translation, maintaining the rhyming couplets of the original French while creating natural-sounding English dialogue. 📝 Wilbur's version of The Misanthrope earned him his first Pulitzer Prize nomination and is still widely performed in theaters today, praised for preserving both the wit and formal elegance of Molière's work. 👑 The play was first performed at the court of King Louis XIV, who was known to enjoy Molière's satirical works despite (or perhaps because of) their pointed criticism of French aristocratic society. 🎨 Richard Wilbur took nearly six months to translate each of Molière's plays, working to maintain perfect alexandrine verse (twelve-syllable lines) in English while keeping the meaning and humor intact. 🏆 This translation helped establish Wilbur as America's preeminent translator of Molière's works, leading him to translate seven more of the French playwright's major works over his career.