Danny Shapiro
1-4-12
Period 1
Wylie
1-4-12
Period 1
Wylie
Misanthrope Essay
One may state laughter is simply just a temporary emotional reflex. In The Misanthrope by Moliere, laughter is a mere realization of how we have striking similarities to the characters of the story. The main character of the story, Alceste, creates a gossipy yet intriguing atmosphere through her brutally honest personality. His competitiveness embodies a sense of comedy and laughter that illicits deep thought.
Throughout The Misanthrope Alceste is put into situations where he objects his peers and surroundings. This constant sense of criticism leads to very entertaining verbal showdowns well put together with rhyming couplets by Moliere. Along with the structure of the play and the story itself there is an underlying responsibility for the reader. Moliere's goal is not for the reader to laugh and quickly turn the page, it's quiet the opposite. The laughter one shares from The Misanthrope leaves an everlasting reflection upon humanity and begs for further dissection of the plot and true meaning of the story.
The comedic aspect is pure and rather obvious in the story, but how does that contribute to intense analyzation? Moliere brilliantly creates situation that are familiar to all ages and naturally engage the reader much more than the usual play or novel. As we continue to notice Alceste's behavior fluctuate upon his reactions towards his peers we see striking yet subliminal characteristics. As the play goes on there is a growing sense of maturity in the behavior of Alceste. The story will not progress properly without the reflection and realization due to Moliere's use of thoughtful laughter.
Throughout The Misanthrope Alceste is put into situations where he objects his peers and surroundings. This constant sense of criticism leads to very entertaining verbal showdowns well put together with rhyming couplets by Moliere. Along with the structure of the play and the story itself there is an underlying responsibility for the reader. Moliere's goal is not for the reader to laugh and quickly turn the page, it's quiet the opposite. The laughter one shares from The Misanthrope leaves an everlasting reflection upon humanity and begs for further dissection of the plot and true meaning of the story.
The comedic aspect is pure and rather obvious in the story, but how does that contribute to intense analyzation? Moliere brilliantly creates situation that are familiar to all ages and naturally engage the reader much more than the usual play or novel. As we continue to notice Alceste's behavior fluctuate upon his reactions towards his peers we see striking yet subliminal characteristics. As the play goes on there is a growing sense of maturity in the behavior of Alceste. The story will not progress properly without the reflection and realization due to Moliere's use of thoughtful laughter.
dibs - stevenli
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