Misanthrope Essay-Nicole Lussier P1 Wylie

"The Misanthrope" by Moliere elicits thoughtful laughter through Alceste, a brutally honest suitor of Celimene, a very flirtatious woman. Through Alceste's actions the reader is able to thoroughly understand the irony of the nouveau riche society in which these characters inhabit. This is achieved particularly through Alceste's relationships with Celimene and Oronte.

Alceste's intense and unwavering attraction towards Celimene throughout the work is a display of true irony. Alceste constantly expresses his desire to always be truthful no matter the brutality or harsh nature of his words. Celimene, the object of his affection, seems never to be honest or forthcoming. She is flirtatious with other men with whom it is later revealed she has romantic relationships with. Even after her infidelities have been unmasked to all Alceste still has a strong desire to remain with her and even considers marrying her. One can see the absolute humor in their relationship. Alceste's life philosophy and intimate principles in the end amount to very little.

Through Alceste's relationship with Oront, another one of Celimene's suitors, the reader witnesses the irony Moliere strives to communicate. In one scene, Oronte presents a sonnett authored by him to Alceste requesting critique. When Alceste shares his disdain and ultimate disgust for it, Oronte is filled with anger. So much so in fact that he files a lawsuit against Alceste and is prepared to pursue strong litigation. While the reader may find this humorous Moliere has achieved his goal of accurately portraying society. He displays the shallow nature of humankind in pursuing and wasting one's self over trivial matters.

Overall, the absolute irony and ridicule of society is awakened through Moliere's employment of thoughtful laughter. Through this toll one can witness society's weak grip on reality and its fleeting stance on the truth.