Moliere lived during French King Louis XIV's reign which as particularly favourable to the arts. Writers and artists thrived.
Moliere's plays form a vast and varied canvas, depicting the French Royal Court, the salons, the doctors and lawyers, the bourgeoisie and family life of the day.
Moliere is not only a great writer of comedy, but a keen and ironic observer of life in all its varying mods, of every type and condition of man.
Le Misanthrope (one who hates everything) was described by Voltaire 'Europe regards this work as the best of comedy.'
Alceste loves a young widow,Celimene, whose coquettish disposition distresses him. Moliere does not use a large cast but instead concentrates on the subtleties of the characters interactions. This is Moliere great technique.