The truth about human nature and its follies are present in The Misanthrope, a play by Moliere. Through the use of thoughtful laughter, Moliere shows his audience the comedy in hypocrisy ad the realization of its presents in society.
In Moliere’s perspective thoughtful laughter occurs when the audience connect with the characters and the play. The audience not only laughs at the characters flaws but also realizes that they to share the flaw, creating a comedic moment shared by the character and audience. Moliere provokes thoughtful laughter by pointing out societies flaws and relating it to his characters and audiences. Thus the audience not only laughs at the situation presented but at themselves as well. He seeks out to expose the faults in human nature in a way the audience can relate with.
The main character flaw we see in the play is hypocrisy. The character of Alceste is proud and judgmental, when in fact he is a hypocrite. In Act I Scene I he criticized the selfish, conceited, and hypocritical nature of humans. Little does he realize that he is a hypocrite for having fallen in love with a woman who shares the same qualities. The audience becomes aware of this, but also comes to see that they have also been in a similar hypocritical situation, which results in thoughtful laughter.
Moliere set out to expose the follies of human nature thought his clever plots and characters. Thoughtful laughter was the main tool Moliere used in his plays to accomplish his goal. The play dares society to reflect on themselves and take a second look at human nature, only to find it flawed.
DIBS - Ching
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