Alan Shen - Misanthrope Essay p3 t5

In Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” “thoughtful laughter” is evoked in the reader through the various scenes containing Alceste and Celimene of how they both are attracted to one another, loving each other even, although their personalities are that of polar opposites. In this play, Alceste is portrayed as being bitter, objective to the multiple flaws of mankind, allowing for no exceptions or excuses. Celimene, however, is shown to possess many flaws and delves into the society and opportunities that are presented to her. Her ever present gossiping and sweet façade allows her to fit in perfectly making her the icon of what a social butterfly of that time should be like. The attraction that the both of them share fulfills the requirements for “the true test of comedy…” stated by George Meredith.

Due to his bleak outlook on life, Alceste is seen as an outcast from the rest of the world that this play takes place in. He says, "I find mankind so odious that I should hate to have it approve of me", he would like to have no part within society for he finds it highly revolting and to have it approve of him would be the same as him becoming a part of the loathsome culture. Despite his negative demeanor, he attracts the attention of both men and women alike for they are intrigued and charmed by his defiant yet scholarly nature. However, the only one for him, it seems, is the “delightful” Celimene. In spite of him chastising Celimene for her obvious show of “affections” towards other men, she vows that her true affections are for him. This is the most humorous aspect to this play because regardless of how much Alceste dislikes everyone else; there is a connection between the two opposites, yet a certain frailty or breakability mars their relationship.

Through Alcseste and Celimene’s attraction to one another, Moliere is able to convey a sense of comedy in the play. This comedy, however, invokes thought in the minds of the reader and ultimately serves to tie the work together as a whole.