The Misanthrope

Kyeong Min

The Misanthrope

Humor, one of the best methods criticizes a figure or more. The Misanthrope by Moliere perfectly exemplifies the definition of humor or also known as the “thoughtful laughter” through a character named Alceste. Throughout the distinctive Alceste’s characterizations, many qualities of “thoughtful laughter” seem to emerge out through the story.

When Alceste meets with a man named Oronte, Alceste wanted him to prove that he was worthy being a friend of his. Therefore, Oronte tried to prove that he was a noble man who could be Alceste’s friend and finally read off his sonnet. While Oronte reading through his sonnet, Alceste couldn’t bear with Oronte’s dreadful sonnet. Knowing that Alceste would criticize the sonnet, Alceste’s friend, Philinte steps up and compliments Oronte’s sonnet. Alceste getting annoyed by all the false praises and horrible sonnet, he finally criticizes both men. Brutal critique left Oronte a deep scar in the heart who himself sweared to himself that he would never forgive Alceste. The character flaws take over the situation and rouse some “thoughtful hope,” as this trait continues to become more common in the scene.

He loathes most other characters, for he feels he is their moral superior. This stretches from his hatred for hypocrites, whom he views with venerable eyes, for surely he would never correlate with such feckless individuals. However, his lover interest is the execution to everything. The strongest association of all, Celimene, a massive hypocrite in her own right, despite the words, she is immoral and associates herself with many men. Alceste's attraction to her effectively makes a hypocrite out of him.