What is the summary of the play The Misanthrope?
“The Misanthrope”, analysis of a comedy by Molière The comedy “The Misanthrope” was written by Molière in 1666. It differs from other plays of the French playwright by the dominance of the dialogues over external events, as well as by the specific psychologism and more subtle reveal of the evils of society.
When was The Misanthrope by Molière written?
The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover ( French: Le Misanthrope ou l'Atrabilaire amoureux; French pronunciation: [lə mizɑ̃tʁɔp u latʁabilɛːʁ amuʁø]) is a 17th-century comedy of manners in verse written by Molière. It was first performed on 4 June 1666 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, Paris by the King's Players.
How is the comedy “The Misanthrope” different from other French plays?
The comedy “The Misanthrope” was written by Molière in 1666. It differs from other plays of the French playwright by the dominance of the dialogues over external events, as well as by the specific psychologism and more subtle reveal of the evils of society. The comedy revolves around the hero who is amusing and tragic at the same time.
What is another name for Misanthrope?
For other uses, see Misanthrope (disambiguation). Behavior of the aristocracy. The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover ( French: Le Misanthrope ou l'Atrabilaire amoureux; French pronunciation: [lə mizɑ̃tʁɔp u latʁabilɛːʁ amuʁø]) is a 17th-century comedy of manners in verse written by Molière.
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What is the story of the misanthrope?
Le Misanthrope, satiric comedy in five acts by Molière, performed in 1666 and published the following year. The play is a portrait of Alceste, a painfully forthright 17th-century gentleman utterly intolerant of polite society's flatteries and hypocrisies.
What is the message of the misanthrope?
The Misanthrope searches for the proper balance between reason and love. Molière would not likely advocate giving oneself completely over to "the irrationality of love." Some tact and observance of decorum is certainly necessary. But, one must be assertive in satisfying one's emotions.
Who wrote misanthrope comedy?
MolièreThe Misanthrope / PlaywrightJean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. Wikipedia
When was Misanthrope created?
1666The Misanthrope debuted in 1666, the year after Louis XIV took Molière's company under his protection and granted them the stage of the Palais-Royale.
Who is the protagonist in the misanthrope?
AlcesteAlceste is the main character in the play; he is, in fact, the "misanthrope" from whom the play derives its name.
How is the misanthrope a satire?
The play satirizes false relationships and mannerisms of the upper class society in the examples of false relationship and friendship like the relationship between Celimene and Arsinoe. These two women appear like friends before other people, but they are hostile enemies.
Who is a famous misanthrope?
The play, written in 1666, tells the story of Alceste, who may be the most famous misanthrope of all time. From his opening lines until his final speech, Alceste shows his general dislike for humanity. He's unafraid to tell people exactly what he thinks of them.
What happens at the end of the misanthrope?
At the very end of the play, Philinte and Éliante announce their love for one another, demonstrating that a true romance can exist in a corrupt world. Molière suggests that selflessness is a prerequisite for such a relationship.
Why did Molière change his name?
In 1643 Molière renounced the hereditary post his father held and chose instead the theater. Since the life of the theater was not considered very respectable, he assumed the name "Molière" in order to spare embarrassment to his family.
Who is Alceste?
Alceste, title character of Molière's comedy Le Misanthrope (first performed 1666). Alceste's disgust with the superficialities and deceits of his fellows, culminating in his withdrawal from society, provides the play's mild dramatic conflict.
Where does the word misanthrope come from?
Misanthrope comes from the Greek misanthrōpos “hating humankind” and was very likely popularized by the French playwright Moliere's Le Misanthrope, which depicts a bitter critic of society who chooses exile over contact with other people.
What is the correct full title of the play The Misanthrope?
The Misanthrope, or the Cantankerous Lover (French: Le Misanthrope ou l'Atrabilaire amoureux; French pronunciation: [lə mizɑ̃tʁɔp u latʁabilɛːʁ amuʁø]) is a 17th-century comedy of manners in verse written by Molière. It was first performed on 4 June 1666 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, Paris by the King's Players.
What is the climax of the misanthrope?
The climax occurs when Acaste and Clitandre read the letters revealing Célimène's two-faced behavior with her suitors. This development leads to the standoff between Alceste and Célimène, and each goes his and her separate way.
What did Alceste decide to do at the end of the play?
At the end of the last scene, Alceste had announced that he was going to leave because he could not tolerate the presence of the dandies who were about to arrive.
How does philinte defend his behavior?
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.
What did Alceste vow to do when he learns he has lost his court case?
He rants on about it to Philinte: "By dint of sheer hypocrisy, of opened and most palpable fraud, right is overthrown and justice perverted!" Alceste vows to accept his punishment to prove himself a living example of one victimized by this wicked age, and further vows to withdraw from society.
Who wrote the play The Misanthrope?
Moliere wrote the plays with the key comedic role played by him, as he was one of the premier comic actors of his time. The Misanthrope is about a guy who mocks/disdains almost everything in society, but he’s worse than most, so he gets his come-uppance in the end. He’s run out of town, if not tarred and feathered:
What is the Misanthrope?
The Misanthrope or Le Misanthrope ou l’Atrabilaire amoureux is a comedy of manners in five acts and in verse. It is one of the best of Molière's plays — and one of the greatest of all comedies — spotlighting the absurdities of social and literary pretension, focusing on a man who is quick to criticize the faults of others, ...
What is the misanthrope in Moliere?
The Misanthrope is a character-driven play which was another difference from other Moliere plays. We have a strong set of characters in this play, and they are quite interesting as well. The most interesting and dominant one is Alceste, the misguided misanthrope. His misanthropy is curiously compelling, and it binds and unites the acts and scenes of the play. Through Alceste, Moliere exposes the inner and outer contradictions of the human mind and shows that even the critics are sometimes driven by impure motives and that they too can be erroneous in their judgment.
What is Moliere's misanthropy?
His misanthropy is curiously compelling, and it binds and unites the acts and scenes of the play. Through Alceste, Moliere exposes the inner and outer contradictions of the human mind and shows that even the critics are sometimes driven by impure motives and that they too can be erroneous in their judgment.
How many acts are there in The Misanthrope?
The Misanthrope or Le Misanthrope ou l’Atrabilaire amoureux is a comedy of manners in five acts and in verse.
What is the play "The Hypocrisy of Time" about?
Back to the book. It is an insightful play about the essence of human nature, our virtues and flaws. Molière brilliantly portrayed the hypocrisy of its time through Alceste, the protagonist. A man with a profound existential conflict that fell in love with Célimène, a 17th-century French Holly Golightly. Oh, yes, that can't go wrong, right?
What is Molière's main character's opinion?
The main character despises all forms of false, insincere remarks and thinks people’s pride should be about honesty and not good behavior and proper welcome. The comical situations that arises are a consequence of such an opinion.
Who directed the Misanthrope?
FACSEA video distributors offers the 1989 version of The Misanthrope, directed by Jacqueline Duc, as part of its series collection Molière: Plaisir du Theatre, which includes productions of five other Molière plays.
What is the misanthrope in the play?
Alceste is the misanthrope referred to in the title. Throughout the play, he expresses his disgust with the dishonesty, hypocrisy, corruption, and lack of justice in society, claiming that he himself at least is completely frank and honest in all of his social interactions. Philinte, his friend, presents a variety of counterpoints to Alceste ’s arguments. When Oronte asks his opinion of a love poem he has just written, Alceste tells him that it is “trash,” that it should be burned, and that Oronte should never write another poem. Oronte, who is highly influential at court, retaliates for the insult by filing a
Why is Acaste happy?
Acaste concedes that he has been given no reason to believe that she favors him in any way. The two men make an agreement that, if either of them finds out that she prefers one or the other of them, the one she does not prefer will willingly drop out of the competition. Célimène enters and tells Acaste and Clitandre that her friend Arsinoe is a hypocrite. She says that Arsinoe is not very attractive but is desperate for a man. She goes on to say that Arsinoe merely pretends to be pious and prudish as an excuse for the fact that men take no interest in her. Arsinoe then enters and tells Célimène that, as her friend, she feels she must let her know that people are talking behind her back about her reputation for flirting with so many men. Célimène responds that, as Arsinoe’s friend, she feels she must let her know that she is a hypocrite and that her piety is merely a false front. Alceste enters, and Célimène walks out, leaving him alone with Arsinoe, who tells him that Célimène is deceiving him about her relations with other men and promises to show him proof if he will accompany her home.
Where was the Misanthrope first performed?
It was first performed at the Palais-Royal Theatre in Paris in 1666, featuring Molière himself in the title role and his own wife in the role of his love-interest.
How did Molière influence the English stage?
Molière’s comedies of manners greatly influenced the seventeenth-century English stage , as well as the French. In 1660, King Charles II, having spent years in exile in France, was restored to the English throne. Influenced by his exposure to Parisian culture of the Louis XIV era, especially the theater, Charles II revitalized the English stage within months of his return. The theatrical arts in England had suffered since all theaters were shut down at the beginning of the civil war in 1642 and remained closed for eighteen years. Charles II first established two theatrical companies, the King’s Players and the Duke’s Players, and had two new theaters, the Theatre Royal and the Duke’s Theater, built at the sites of converted tennis courts. He also allowed the presence of female actors on the English stage for the first time (whereas female parts had previously been played by boys and young men).
Who is Arsinoe in the book?
Arsinoe is a so-called friend of Célimène, . Célimène, tells others that Arsinoe is a “hypocrite” and that, while unattractive, she is desperate to find a man and pretends to be prudish and pious as an excuse for the fact that men take no interest in her. Arsinoe tells Célimène, that, in the name of friendship, she feels she must let her know that others are talking behind her back about her reputation for flirting with so many men. Célimène, responds to Arsinoe by saying to her face what she has previously said behind her back. Arsinoe later shows Alceste a letter in which Célimène, tells Oronte that she loves him.
What does Alceste say about Philinte?
In act 5, Alceste tells Philinte that he is resolved to abandon society and go live out in the wilderness, claiming that there is no decency, honor, or justice anywhere. He explains the ongoing lawsuit against him in which another man printed a book containing scandalous material and attributed it to Alceste’s authorship. Furthermore, Oronte, who is very influential at court, is spreading vicious rumors about him, thus strengthening the legal case against him. Philinte suggests that he shouldn’t be so hasty in leaving, that the court case is not yet settled and that no one believes the rumors about him anyway. But Alceste insists that society is completely corrupt, to which Philinte responds that, yes, people are unjust and insincere but that it is “part of Heaven’s plan,” that the lack of justice in the world is what makes virtue so valuable. Philinte then goes to find Eliante.
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Critical Overview
- Molière is perhaps the greatest writer of the French stage. David Coward, in an introduction to Molière: The Miser and Other Plays, states that Molière is “one of the world’s greatest comic playwrights.” Margaret Webster, in an introduction to Molière, explains his significance as a literary figure in France, noting, “in his own language he is as t...
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