Nick Hudson, Wylie Period 1 Misanthrope Essay

One of the most effective ways to criticize society is through humor. Comedy has the power to make issues insignificant and provoke meaningful thought by exposing lunacy. Moliere's "The Misanthrope" accomplishes this thoughtful laughter, largely through the character of Alceste. Alceste's engagement in court feuds, as well as his ironic self-righteousness parody the noble class of France in the 19th century.

A common theme of the play is revealed in a courtroom. Trivial lawsuits are in no short supply. The characters of the noble class, Alceste in particular, are continually suing each other. These lawsuits, despite the explicit testimonies in the court, are truly about social status. Alceste seeks legal victory for the purpose of ascending the social ladder. He longs for admiration. The ridiculous situations that result from the lawsuits create thoughtful laughter as they humorously present the noble class. Their quarrels in the courts were merely pathetic power struggles. Moliere is able to step back and use comedy to show the trivial and pitiful ways of the noble class.

Alceste is certainly not the most likable character. He despises most other characters, for he feels he is their moral superior. This stems from his hatred for hypocrites, whom he views with dignified eyes, for surely he would never associate with such feckless individuals. There is an exception, however. His lover interest, the strongest association of all, is Celimene, a massive hypocrite in her own right. Despite he words, she is promiscuous and associates herself with many men. Alceste's attraction to her effectively makes a hypocrite out of him. The laughter provokes by Alcestes's ironic hypocrisy is also a result of Moliere parodying the noble class. They are bigoter and present themselves as standing upon the highest moral ground, but in actuality, they are prone to the same weaknesses and faults as anyone.

"The Misanthrope" is considered a classic comedy not simply because it causes the reader to laugh, but because it causes the reacer to laugh with thought. Moliere's play is, at heart, societal criticism, but his comedy is what makes it enjoyable, and, therefore, strengthens his message overall.