Sganarelle, or, the Self-Deceived Husband

by Molière

"Sganarelle, or, the Self-Deceived Husband" by Molière is a one-act comedy in verse first performed in 1660. When Sganarelle helps a fainting young woman and a miniature portrait changes hands, a farcical chain of jealous misunderstandings erupts. Husband suspects wife, wife suspects husband, and young lovers fear betrayal—all based on false assumptions. This farce of hasty conclusions became Molière's most frequently performed play during his lifetime, warning audiences that even seeing everything doesn't mean believing the truth.