Misanthrope Essay- SID VYAS

The Misanthrope by Moliere is a satirical play that critiques two major aspects of the 17^th century: the French society and human nature. The main character Alceste further illuminates these critiques. Alceste is a man who believes in honesty, and as such points out the flaws in others. He constantly criticizes others for their fake personalities, insincere comments and sycophancy, all of which he despises, The thoughtful laughter in he play is derived through two instances if irony: Alceste’s relationship with Celiemine and the complex arrangement that Moliere creates.

Throughout that play it is evident that Alceste is a man that abides by his ethics. He does not tolerate insincere comments and lies that society was accustom to producing. Yet, he falls in love with Celiemine, a woman who possesses every quality Alceste despises. She is a superficial woman who gossips continuously and criticizes people behind their backs Moliere displays a contrast and in turn develops irony by making Alceste in love with Celiemine, However to understand the laughter that is invoked in the situation on must dig in further into the irony that is presented. Without understanding the values that they both symbolize, one cannot truly interpret the comical aspect to their relationship. Both initially contrast each other as their differences in values clash, yet towards the end of the play realized that they have learned something from the other. Moliere carefully distinguishes both Alceste’s and Celimine’s qualities in turn enabling him to illuminate their individual personalities

Furthermore, Moliere strikes an intricate balance between the various characters and their role in society. Alceste, although considered the protagonist of the play is not depicted as the traditional protagonist, but rather an outcast of the French society. The French society rejects Alceste, not becayse his values are wrong, but rather because he is ignorant of peoples feelings and human shortcomings. The supporting character Phillinte serves as an archetype of Molieres theory for proper social function. Philente recognizes Alceste with superficial people, but he on the other hand realizes that venting these frustrations only causes havoc.  This entire arrangement creates irony due to the fact that although Alceste is the title character, Moliere places his prime values that one must adapt to society in Philinte. This intricate system arises thoughtful laughter in the reader.

Moliere creates a satirical play primarily through irony. He strongly resides with the core values that he places in Alceste, yet knows that these values are not sustainable. Moliere ultimately shows that one must adapt to the norms of society that he so viciously mocks, yet he must strike a balance between abiding by your principles and fitting with society, as depicted by Phillinte. Through detailed irony, Moliere creates a distinct comedy that is unique to The Misnathrope.