This classic French play revolves around the character Tartuffe, a hypocritical and cunning man who pretends to be deeply pious and religious. He manages to deceive Orgon, a wealthy family patriarch, into believing in his piety. Orgon is so taken in by Tartuffe that he decides to marry him off to his daughter, despite her love for another man. The family works together to expose Tartuffe's true nature, leading to a series of comic and dramatic events. The play is a satirical critique of religious hypocrisy and gullibility.

"Phèdre" is a classic French play that explores themes of love, guilt, and retribution. The story revolves around the tragic heroine, Phèdre, who falls passionately in love with her stepson, Hippolytus. Battling with her forbidden desires, she eventually confesses her feelings to Hippolytus, leading to a series of devastating events. The play is renowned for its exploration of human emotions, moral dilemmas, and the destructive power of uncontrolled passion.

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is a classic French play that tells the story of a nobleman named Cyrano, who is a talented poet and swordsman but has a very large nose. Despite being deeply in love with his cousin Roxane, Cyrano doesn't believe she could ever love him because of his appearance, so he helps his friend Christian woo her instead. Cyrano writes love letters to Roxane on behalf of Christian, and Roxane falls in love with the man she believes Christian to be. The story is a tragic tale of unrequited love, selflessness, and the power of inner beauty.

The play is a comedic yet biting commentary on class and privilege, set against the backdrop of a single day in the life of a clever valet named Figaro, who is about to marry his beloved Suzanne. However, their plans are threatened by the Count, who desires Suzanne for himself and aims to exercise his feudal right to bed a servant girl on her wedding night. Through a series of clever maneuvers, secret plots, and humorous twists, Figaro, Suzanne, and their allies outwit the Count and other members of the aristocracy. The play challenges the social norms of the time, including the abuses of the upper classes and the rights of individuals, culminating in a celebration of love and marriage where wit and resourcefulness triumph over rank and power.

"The Misanthrope" is a satirical play that explores the hypocrisy and corruption of French aristocratic society through the eyes of the protagonist, a man who insists on absolute honesty and despises flattery, insincerity, and social conventions. Despite his disdain for society, he falls in love with a coquette who embodies everything he detests, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic situations. The narrative ultimately emphasizes the importance of balance between truth and courtesy in social interactions.

"The Bald Soprano" is a play that explores the absurdity of everyday life through a nonsensical narrative. It revolves around two middle-class English couples, the Smiths and the Martins, who engage in meaningless and repetitive conversations. The play is known for its unconventional structure, lack of plot, and the characters' surreal behavior, which are all used to satirize the banality and futility of routine and social norms. The title refers to a character who is never seen or mentioned again after the opening scene.

The play is a satirical comedy that centers around Argan, a hypochondriac who obsesses over his health and squanders his fortune on unnecessary medical treatments. His ailment is exploited by charlatan doctors and a greedy wife, while his daughter's marital future hangs in the balance due to his misguided intentions. The story unfolds with a clever servant, Toinette, and Argan's brother, Béralde, attempting to open his eyes to the truth of his condition and the deceit around him. Through a series of humorous events, including a mock ceremony, the play critiques the medical profession and the foolishness of those who blindly follow it, ultimately advocating for common sense and true familial love.

"Rameau's Nephew" is a philosophical dialogue that explores themes of morality, societal norms, and the nature of genius. The story revolves around a conversation between a philosopher and a character who is the nephew of a famous musician. The nephew, a freeloader and a parasite, defends his lifestyle by arguing that it is not only acceptable but also necessary in a society where wealth and power determine value. The dialogue delves into the contradictions and ironies of social conventions, challenging traditional notions of virtue, vice, and human nature.

The book is a profound existentialist play that delves into the human psyche and the concept of hell through the experiences of three deceased characters who find themselves trapped together in a mysterious, windowless room. As they engage in intense psychological games and confront the worst aspects of their earthly behaviors, they come to the harrowing realization that their torment comes not from any external punishment, but from each other and the eternal company they are forced to keep. The narrative explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the often unbearable nature of human existence, encapsulated in the famous line, "Hell is other people."

"Le Cid" is a dramatic play that follows the story of a young nobleman who is torn between love and honor. The protagonist is faced with a dilemma when he is ordered to kill his beloved's father in a duel to defend his own father's honor. Despite his love for his girlfriend, he chooses honor over love and kills her father, leading to a series of tragic events. The play explores themes of duty, honor, and the moral complexities of revenge.

This comedic play explores the life of a libertine nobleman who is infamous for his seduction of women. The protagonist is a man who lives by his own rules, unburdened by morality or religion, and who takes pleasure in manipulating others for his own gain. His actions eventually lead to his downfall when he refuses to repent for his sins, resulting in a dramatic, supernatural punishment.

This comedic play revolves around a middle-class man who aspires to elevate his social status and become a gentleman. He hires teachers to educate him in the arts, language, and manners of the upper class, but his lack of understanding and pretentious behavior only makes him look foolish. His obsession with his newly acquired 'gentleman' status strains his relationship with his sensible wife and daughter, and leads to a series of humorous and satirical incidents that mock the pretensions and hypocrisy of the society.

"The Miser" is a comedic play that revolves around a wealthy man who is so obsessed with his money that he neglects his own children. His son and daughter, both in love with people they cannot afford to marry due to their father's stinginess, scheme to trick him out of his wealth. The play satirizes the greed and hypocrisy of the upper class, while exploring themes of love, deception, and the value of money.

"Marivaux: Three Plays" is a collection of three significant works by a renowned 18th-century French playwright. The plays explore themes of love, deception, and class in the context of French society of the time. The characters are often caught in complex situations that test their moral values and emotional resilience, providing readers with a profound understanding of human nature and societal norms. The plays are known for their sophisticated language, psychological depth, and intricate plot twists, making them a classic in French literature.

"The Satin Slipper" is a complex and symbolic narrative that explores the themes of love, faith, and destiny. Set in the 16th century, the story revolves around two characters, a Spanish conquistador and a married lady of the Spanish court, who are deeply in love but are kept apart by their respective duties and responsibilities. Their love story is intertwined with historical events and mythical elements, creating a rich tapestry of human emotions and spiritual contemplations.

The play is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, which follows the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, as she defies the laws of the state to bury her brother Polynices, who has been declared a traitor and whose body has been condemned to remain unburied. Antigone's actions set her at odds with Creon, the ruler of Thebes, leading to a profound exploration of the conflict between individual conscience and state law, the role of fate, and the nature of morality. As Antigone's resolve leads her to tragic consequences, the play delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the human cost of absolute power.

The play is a dramatic tale set in Renaissance Florence, revolving around the character of Lorenzo de Medici, a young, disillusioned aristocrat entangled in the corrupt political machinations of his time. Disgusted by the tyrannical rule of his cousin, Duke Alessandro, and the moral decay of society, Lorenzo hatches a complex plot to assassinate the Duke. His internal conflict and the influence of Machiavellian philosophy drive the narrative, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the struggle between personal ideals and the harsh realities of the political world. The play ultimately unfolds as a dark, psychological drama that delves into the depths of human nature and the costs of radical action.

This book is a compilation of the works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, who is often considered one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. His plays are known for their satirical examination of social norms and human folly, featuring a range of characters from the foolish and the pedantic to the hypocritical and the corrupt. Some of his most famous works included in this collection are "Tartuffe," "The Misanthrope," and "The Imaginary Invalid."

This collection presents all the dramatic works of a renowned 17th-century French playwright, known for his mastery of French classical tragedy. The plays explore themes of love, power, tragedy, and the complex dynamics of political and personal life. The author's poetic style, psychological depth, and exploration of classical themes have made him one of the most influential figures in French drama. The collection includes both his well-known and lesser-known works, providing a comprehensive look at his contribution to theatre.

This collection of plays by a renowned 17th-century French dramatist features a variety of works that have significantly influenced the development of classical French tragedy. The plays often explore themes of honor, fate, and moral integrity, with complex characters who grapple with high-stakes moral and ethical dilemmas. The author's skillful use of language and his innovative approach to dramatic structure and characterization have made these plays enduring classics of French literature.

This comprehensive collection encompasses the entire body of work by a renowned French dramatist, poet, and novelist. The book includes his most famous plays, lyrical poetry, and novels, all of which are characterized by romantic themes and a deep exploration of human emotions. His writings, often autobiographical, offer a vivid portrayal of the 19th century French society, its morals, and its decadence. The author's keen observations, wit, and mastery of language make his works enduring classics of French literature.

This collection of three plays offers a deep exploration of human emotions, societal norms and familial relationships. The first play, 'The Hostage', revolves around the complexities of love and sacrifice. The second play, 'Crusts', delves into the struggles of poverty and the human spirit's resilience. The final play, 'The Humiliation of the Father', portrays the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the impact of parental behaviour on children. Each play, while distinct in their narratives, collectively provides a profound commentary on human nature and society.

"The School for Wives" is a comedic play about a man who attempts to groom a young woman to be his perfect, obedient wife. However, his plans are thwarted when the young woman falls in love with another man. The play satirizes societal norms around marriage, highlighting the absurdity of controlling relationships and the importance of love and mutual respect.

"The Balcony" is a play set within a brothel that doubles as a fantasy realm for its clients, who act out their grandiose illusions of power as figures like a bishop, a judge, and a general. As a revolution rages in the streets outside, the establishment's madam and her patrons grapple with the nature of authority and reality, blurring the lines between the authentic and the performative. The play delves into themes of identity, societal roles, and the corrupting influence of power, offering a dark, existential critique of the structures that uphold the facade of societal order and the human desire to escape into illusion.

The play is a tragic drama set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, focusing on the fate of Andromache, the widow of the Trojan hero Hector, who is now a captive of Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles. Pyrrhus is torn between his obsessive love for Andromache, who remains faithful to the memory of her slain husband, and his betrothal to Hermione, the daughter of the Spartan king Menelaus. The play explores themes of love, duty, and vengeance as Andromache struggles to protect her son, the last heir of the Trojan line, amidst the dangerous political machinations of the Greek victors, leading to a series of tragic events fueled by jealousy, pride, and the inescapable grip of fate.