Period 5 Essay

It was once stated by George Meredith that, "The true test of comedy is that it shall awaken thoughtful laughter." The story The Misanthrope written by Moliere, we can see a series of conflicts that arise with everyday human characteristics. This upbringing is known to be called "thoughtful laughter." Throughout the story we can see the similar characteristics we share with characters in the story. The two characters many can closely relate to is Alceste and Celimene, due to the situations they encountered throughout the story.
Alceste is a very hard headed character. He is strong towards his beliefs and refuses to take no for an answer and for the most part his statements are correct. That is until he meets the one girl who he falls head over heels in love with, Celimene. Alceste had a strong stand about how much he disliked hypocrites, but in throughout the story we see Alceste ignore many of his beliefs due to the fact he was blinded by love for Celimene. This is a perfect example of how today, we know of many people who contradict themselves and change their ideas after they stood so strongly behind the opposing side.
Another characteristic we can relate with the characters in the story is judgmental. Both Celimene and Alceste were characters with the ability to be very observant. They were both quick to point out other people's flaws. In one scene in the story Celimene writes a letter mocking the people in town with their flaws, and when it is found, she is left with no one at her side. The only person who remained there for her was the only other character who was isolated as well, Alceste. In the end, after Celimene is done contemplating her feelings between Alceste and another man, the two end up together. This is a brilliant way to end the story because Alceste and Celimene are so different, yet so alike. They were both alone so they looked upon others' flaws for comfort. We can conclude this because in the story, Alceste says he wants to move away to purposely seclude himself from everyone and Celimene was mentally alone, that s why she acted out on seeking attention from other men and thrived to be in the middle of drama within the town. Both characters observed and pointed out others imperfections to cope with their own.
This story reaches out to the readers due to the fact these characteristics are the kind we see every day, in others and in ourselves. We laugh at these characters because they seem so naive, but aren't we just laughing at ourselves? We are merely reading a reflection of our own flaws and imperfections. We are Alceste and Celimene.
-Adrienne Quiles