The Misanthrope Essay Carlton Lew P6

In Le Misanthrope by Moliére, the play struggles with the hypocrisies of social behavior and the acceptance of human flaws. The character who fits and emulates both themes is the protagonist, Alceste. This character consistently questions the actions and flaws of others, yet he tends to contradict himself throughout the play. By taking into account Alceste's philosophy and his actions, it evokes "thoughtful laughter" in the reader because he constantly acts contrary to his beliefs.

Our first glimpse of Alceste comes in the first act when he is arguing with his friend Philinte about the proper way to treat those for whome one has little respect. Alceste insists the brutal honesty is the way to go while Philinte believes that one must be more accepting of human flaws and less critical of human behavior. From the very start, Alceste is set by Moliére as te commically exreme character. Alceste berates society particualrly his own social class. Although he is clearly insulting others, it can also mean that he is insulting himself as well.

Society is incapable of accepting Alceste because he is intolerant towards the flaws and shortcomings of human beings. Inronically however, he is able to point out his own faults. Throughout the play Aleceste is courting Célimene. He knows her flaws and is never afraid to point them out. Yet, despite his oblivion, he still loves her. He realizes that although he is persistent in his version of society, he cannot help but fall hopelessly in love.

Moliére is successful in the play at awakening thoughtful laughter. In French society, Alceste is depicted as the hopeless perfectionst who is never short on pointing out ones faults. The author is able to form thoughtful laughter through Alceste because the characte speaks with such ignorance that he does not realize he is also insulting himself. The end of the play is quite comical. With Alceste falling in love with Célimene, he has become a victim of the society he despises to much.