In The Misanthrope by Moliere, thoughtful laughter is evoked through the ironies that the main character, Alceste, experiences. Irony and thoughtful laughter are similar because they both create a comedic tone and urges the readers to think upon the situation. In various parts in The Misanthrope, Alceste displays irony, creating thoughtful laughter. This is seen when he falls in love with Celimene, and when he mocks French society and human nature.
At the beginning of the play, Alceste rants about all the flaws that he sees in French society and human nature. Right away, it is clear that Alceste strongly abides by ethics and doesn’t tolerate lies and insincerity, evident in society. Here, the reader questions the way he/she lives because as unfavorable as it is, today’s modern world isn’t far off from what Alceste criticizes about French society back then. In this way, Alceste’s thoughts and criticisms inspire thought in the reader. The irony is seen when the reader learns that Alceste is a member of French society as well as the French aristocracy. Alceste is essentially criticizing himself, and this evokes laughter because it is blatantly ironic--Alceste himself is a part of the group that he despises.
Another instance where Alceste’s ironic situation creates thoughtful laughter is when he falls in love with Celimene. Celimene is a woman who loves to gossip and possesses all of the qualities that Alceste despises about human nature and French society. Yet, although Alceste bashes and criticizes human nature and French society, and is a man of good morals, he finds himself deeply affectionate of her. The irony is clear in this situation. Alceste and Celimene symbolize two different lifestyles and opinions and create an ironic and comical relationship. Laughter is also evoked because Alceste is in love with someone who he, in theory, should hate. However, he cannot fight against what his heart desires. Alceste’s love for Celimene is present all through The Misanthrope, creating thoughtful laughter throughout the play.
Alceste, as he is put in very ironic situations, encourages the reader to think upon the real meaning of the play. As the reader understands the ironies, he/she understands the deeper meanings of the story and finds that The Misanthrope is a rather comedic play. Thoughtful laughter is evoked when the reader understands the irony behind Alceste being a member of the French aristocracy and him falling in love with Celimene. Moliere’s use of irony in his play creates distinct laughter throughout his work.
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