Charles Salumbides
Period 5
As George Meredith once said , “The true test of comedy is that it shall awaken thoughtful laughter”. In the story of The Misanthrope by Molière truly passes this test. The Misanthrope has proven to be a truly great comedy due to its ability to provoke “thoughtful laughter”. The protagonist of the story, Alceste, awakens “thoughtful laughter” commonly through this classic comedy.
Alceste’s characteristic of being a hypocrite brings this “thoughtful laughter” to this truly genius comedy. His constant contradictions allow people to think and recall past events and statements to provide comedy to the reader. An example is Alceste’s love for another character named Climene. He is deeply in love with her yet they are complete opposites. Alceste’s is a depressed man, while Climene is a young vibrant young woman. Alceste hates society and believes that humans are naturally evil, while Climene loves society she lives in and all the people incorporated in it. This type of conflicting characteristics between the woman Aclseste loves provides comedy to the tale. Also when Alceste speaks of the failures of the class he is associated with, the aristocracy, yet he still feels he is superior. It makes the reader recall his previous statements and actions and laugh, because of the realization of the contradiction that is present.
This “thoughtful laughter” is present throughout the poem and provides a type of genuine comedy that is rarely seen in modern day comedies. This type of intellectual comedy gives laughter to those of the correct audience which makes it a purely great experience to read and enjoy.
No comments:
Post a Comment