The play The Misanthrope by Moliere is a renissance dated story of love, deception, jealousy and friendship that all presents itself in a comedy. Unlike many comedies of the modern age, The Misanthrope involves thoughtful laughter, so as to keep the audience in deep thought throughout. Thought this sis done in many ways, it is best portraid through the charater Alceste.
Alceste's very own personality invokes laughter through thought. Being the main character and the center of attention in the story, Alceste holds very few of the classical character traits that most leads are expected to have. He is highly critical of others mainly for his own self gain, very van, has a nigh ego, and is very jealous among other things. His own personality and monolougs are humorous and provoke thought but the true comedy of the story are seen when Alceste interacts with others.
Alceste's always conflicting personality is what drives much of the stories thoughtful comedy. The most evident one is Alceste's jealousy of Oronte, whom he sees as his rival since both are interested in the beautiful Celimene, but Oronte writes a sonnet for her winning him favor from her and anger from Alceste. The interactions and rival behavoir that ensues between the two eludes thought to the laughter, much like Alceste's interactions are with Arsinoe and Philintes. Both of whom have very opposite and counteracting personalities to Alceste, whom is very hypocritical of them. The comedic interactions between them including the rageful interactions betweeen Alceste and Philintes are one of the many great, cause and affects that bring about the thoughtful humor to the audience.
Alceste is not the only source of humor in The Misanthrope, but rather one of the many. Though, he is an excellent example of how his own self being and interactions with others provokes thoughtful humor in the story.
Peer Editor: Daniel Pon
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