A central theme that runs throughput this play and which forms the basis of this discussion is the issue of the compromise between the critique of the fallacies and pretensions of society and the need to ameliorate these criticisms with false praise and lies in order to make society bearable and functional. This sense of compromise and balance between the realities of social life and societal foibles is one of the central themes expressed in this comedy. It should be remembered that in the genre of the comedy of manners, while society is being satirized and critiqued, it is the natural quality of comedy to soften this criticism and makes us laugh at ourselves and the society that is being exposed. The question of balance between the extremes of the truthful exposure of lies and deceit and social compromise is explored in the play largely through the character of Alceste and the way that he interacts with the other characters in the play.
             In essence this comedy reveals the hypocrisy in the court and the lives of the upper-classes at the time. In the opening scene there is a conversation between Alceste and Philinte. Alceste is very clear about his dislike and distrust of the motives that people have in the society. Philinte on the other hand represents the more common sense approach to social criticism and he believes that there is a certain value in the gentle acceptance of some forms of social deceit and deception; in that it often better to lie rather than hurt the feelings of others. Alceste is more critical and insists on speaking the raw truth with total disregard for what others may think of him. This leads to the various thematic strands and the comic situations in the play.
             Alceste's attitude can be clearly seen in the way that he disapproves of Philinte's genial approach and acceptance; particularly in the way that he hugs people.
             Alceste: "Friends? Friends, you say? Well, cross me off your li...