Le Malade Imaginaire

Leslie's Le Malade Imaginaire depicts a scene from Molière's comedy of 1673 — the hypochondriac Argan who imagines himself perpetually ill and whose household conspires to manage his delusions. The comedy of the hypochondriac — the man whose imagination creates the illness that only exists in his fear — had obvious resonance for Victorian audiences whose literature and social commentary were preoccupied with the relationship between physical and psychological health. Leslie's affection for Molière reflected his appreciation for the playwright's ability to combine biting social satire with genuine human understanding, making the foolish characters simultaneously ridiculous and sympathetic.

The comic characterization is achieved through precise rendering of expression and gesture. Leslie's handling of the bedroom setting and period costume creates a convincing stage for Moliere's domestic comedy.