Misanthrope In-Class Essay [Wylie Period 6]

Written by: Christine Ching

In The Misanthrope by Moliere, society is ridiculed for its corruption and insincerity. Moliere utilizes his characters to represent the hypocritical society and the citizens’ values that clash with the society. Moliere’s characters reveal the dynamics of human nature, the flaws and the ideals, through the use of “thoughtful laughter”. Not only does this play fumble with the comedic nature of humans, it also intertwines with the realization that people laugh at and criticize others when they themselves cannot see the irony.

“Thoughtful laughter” can be a powerful concept and tactic to create an influential literary piece, if it is incorporated correctly, that is. To know the success of the author’s works, readers should feel reflective of themselves after reading the novel or play. It should help readers reevaluate the meanings in life that makes life a journey, the flaws that make humans human and the hypocrisy that is revealed when criticizing others. “Thoughtful laughter” satires yet include the readers on an intellectual level. Moliere captures this essence perfectly in his play.

In Act I Scene II, Oronte expresses himself as a struggling poet that also desires Celimene’s affection. Alceste, who is considered the protagonist of the play, is also competing for Celimene. However, in this scene, Alceste is frustrated with the imperfections of society because his views are not parallel with society’s values. Alceste struggles to fit in with society because he cannot follow what society idealizes, making him unfit to “play the game” of society that is about getting ahead in life. Alceste vents his anger at Oronte as Oronte presents samples of his poetry. Oronte’s poetry is criticized indirectly by Alceste, which Moliere includes to ridicule the French aristocracy. The wealthy, represented by Oronte, have false, blind confidence. They believe that their societal status is almighty and powerful, boosting their ego and covering their eyes from reality. As Alceste continuously provides blunt feedback to Oronte’s poetry, he cannot see the hypocrisy in himself. Alceste believes that society and Oronte are ignorant but Moliere’s actual intention for Alceste’s character is to satirize the society. Alceste is a victim of love and he becomes blinded like the aristocrats, however, he cannot see his ignorance because he is wearing a metaphorical mask to shield himself from his own blemishes.

Moliere uses this mask to show the refusal of human beings to acknowledge their own flaws. This mask can only be lifted by the readers to fully understand Moliere’s message. The acceptance of human flaws is not a simple concept. Alceste is unable to accept his flaws, thus, being rejected by society and causing himself to live in solitude because he ultimately deceives himself.