Misanthrope - Alexander P

Through out The Misanthrope Moliere demonstrates the use of satirical dialogue as comedy. Moliere shows characters that portray relatable and realistic characters, full of flaws. As the audience we insert our own lives in to the play, finding amusement and pleasure. Celemine embodies a generally unseen aspect of literature, the flirt. Her playfulness evokes a trait that we all have and show in varying degrees. It is her personality, her drama the carries the show and gives it meaning. This new thoughtful laughter began with Moliere and carries through to all modern literature.

In Celemine we see ourselves. The self questioning that ensues is this thoughtful laughter. This is the second thought, the meaning of Moliere’s work. The genius does not begin in the original dialogue; it lies in the interpretation and connection each individual finds in it. The boldness and brashness of Celemine is admired by some, but many also find her to be a slut or a harlot. We now call this slut-shamming, which is the societal persecution of women and men who are sexual. But this is part of the personal connection, some may laugh at her, finding her a joke and pathetic; while others will be envious of her and design themselves after her. This thought provoking subject within Celemine truly transforms The Misanthrope.

Celemine drives the action forward. Pulling the men along as she manipulates and toys with them. Exerting full control over their simple desires of her attention, she holds the power. This power she controls evokes the men’s flaws. Not only does she cause her surrounding characters to question themselves, but she causes the audience member to question their relation to the characters.

Moliere saw what he could do with everyday characters and used them to connect to the public. His thought provoking literature, instilled within Celemine transforms The Misanthrope from a memorable play, into a timeless one.