In the play, The Misanthrope by Moliere, the reader experiences thoughtful laughter. Alceste, the protagonist, often invokes this in order to emphasize the satire present in the work.
Frequently, Alceste flings accusations about the humankind that make the reader uncomfortable. His biting and cynical disapproval toward the hypocrisy and dishonesty he sees in people leads the reader to ponder over his/her own flaws. The extremity of Alceste’s opinions makes his words absurdly funny. When he rants against the masks that people put on to face others in society, he is so critical that it is laughable. The reader laughs but then realizes that he/she is essentially laughing at him/herself. It is laughter that causes one to become more self aware.
At the end, when Alceste proclaims that he can only be happy when he lives in solitude, he creates comedy. It is comedic because it appears to be such a childish move. It seems very immature to want to shun society completely and live a life of solitude. It is not practical. While scoffing at this seemingly ridiculous idea, the reader may discover that it is a wish most people have, at one point or another. There is a time when one has wanted to get away from others and just be alone with one’s thoughts. This discovery of the relatability of Alceste’s plan comes with the realization that the plan is ludicrous and laughable.
Because of Alceste’s dramatic nature and absolute views, The Misanthrope seems silly. However, the epiphanies that the silliness awakens lead to thoughful pondering in the reader.
DIPS Lucy Zhao Per.5
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