What is the story The Misanthrope?
Play Summary. Alceste, the misanthrope, explains to Philinte that he hates mankind because there is so much hypocrisy, deceit, and false flattery in the world that he can’t find a man who will speak the truth openly. He asserts that all people should be completely frank and honest with one another.
What is the theme of The Misanthrope?
The overriding theme of The Misanthrope is honesty and hypocrisy. Alceste, the central character, is a misanthrope because he is disgusted by the hypocrisy that, in his view, characterizes human society. Alceste claims to be the only truly honest person he knows.
What kind of play is The Misanthrope?
Comedy of manners
The play, though not a commercial success in its time, survives as Molière’s best known work today….
| The Misanthrope | |
|---|---|
| Original language | French |
| Subject | Behavior of the aristocracy. |
| Genre | Comedy of manners |
| Setting | Grand Siècle, France |
How does oronte feel about Alceste?
Oronte, another of Célimène’s courtiers, appeals to Alceste, praising Alceste’s honorable qualities and suggesting that the two men become friends. Alceste is hesitant, stating that they should not make any sort of friendship agreement until they come to know each other better.
How does the misanthrope end?
The Misanthrope ends with an unlikely happy ending. Philinte and Éliante are the lucky couple—not Alceste and Célimène. Alceste meets the only end that might bring him peace. In reality, the union of Alceste and Célimène would likely not be a happy ending at all.
How is Alceste ambiguous?
Alceste’s complete refusal to acquiesce marks his rejection of societal values, however ambiguous those might be. In what is probably Éliante’s most important speech (at the end of II. iv), she introduces the concept of justification. She defines a “man in love” as one who recognizes his lover’s faults as virtues.
What is the tone of the misanthrope?
toneIn satirizing French aristocracy, Molière strikes a light, but critical tone. With his deft use of irony, he exposes the hypocrisies of Célimène, her suitors, and the protagonist, Alceste—although Molière’s judgment of Alceste is less severe than his critique of others.
How many acts are in the misanthrope?
Le Misanthrope, satiric comedy in five acts by Molière, performed in 1666 and published the following year.
How does philinte defend his Behaviour?
Philinte defends his behavior by pointing out that the man is very influential at court, and so it is in his best interest to treat him as a friend. Throughout the play, Philinte debates with Alceste the issue of sincerity and insincerity in social interaction.
Why does oronte seek out Alceste’s help?
An Officer of the Marshals of France arrives to inform Alceste that a lawsuit has been filed against him by Oronte, who seeks retribution for Alceste’s comments about his poem. Alceste leaves to deal with the matter.