The Misanthrope Essay- P1, T2

It is a firm principle of theatre that performances must entertain patrons while simultaneously showing them truths about society though hypothetical circumstance. Moliere’s The Misanthrope evokes “thoughtful laughter”, the concept of a humorous exterior plot that allows one to examine the truthful and sometimes harsh interior message throughout the work, by creating exaggerated characters that parody the hypocrisy of human relationships.

Perhaps the most humorous, yet thought-provoking scene in The Misanthrope is act III, sc. V., a scene in which Arsinoe and Celimene have what appears to be a charming and delightful conversation when in reality they are criticizing each other’s every action and flaw. Both women have terrible flaws--Arsinoe is older yet insists on acting and dressing like a young maiden and Celimene is flirtatious, giving her affections to any man who desires it. The women, both enchanted by Alceste’s brash and antisocial nature, banter back and forth as if they were engaging in a coquette tennis match, each lunging at each other to win the match point.

Moliere is a master of polarities, creating characters that are so opposite in nature that any interaction draws out the worst in each character. While the average fellow would see the scene between Arsinoe and Celimene as a traditional French court encounter, one who looks more closely would see that Moliere intentionally makes this interaction humorous in order to entertain the audience as they watch pure, uninterrupted truth unfold right before their eyes.

Humans have a long-standing tradition of being completely cordial to one another in person, but quickly running to spread distrust the minute one turns their back. Perhaps it is a need to be well liked or a craving to boost one’s ego. The same hypocritical relationships are seen when Philinte compliments Oronte’s poem despite his distaste for it and in Celimene’s false and petty connections with her suitors.

In making The Misanthrope a comedy, Moliere successfully entertains the audience while forcing them to examine the follies of human nature. Moliere strategically writes exaggerated characters that, through their interactions, show the hypocritical and disingenuous nature of human relationships. It is much easier to recognize one’s faults when they are presented humorously. Moliere masterfully evokes thoughtful laughter in his examination of human nature which he artfully translates into the theatrical wonder The Misanthrope.

Written by: Sara Patterson