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The Misanthrope | Study Guide

Molière

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Course Hero. "The Misanthrope Study Guide." October 25, 2017. Accessed June 1, 2023. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Misanthrope/.

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Course Hero, "The Misanthrope Study Guide," October 25, 2017, accessed June 1, 2023, https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Misanthrope/.

The Misanthrope | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Molière's The Misanthrope. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

Alceste, Act II, Scene V t’s flatterers like you whose foolish praiseNourishes all the vices of these days. Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Molière as Ironic Contemplator by Alvin Eustis,The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy by Harold C. Knutson Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Molière as Ironic Contemplator by Alvin Eustis, The Triumph of Wit: Molière and Restoration Comedy by Harold C. Knutson Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc. Gossip Mean-spirited words embody society’s hypocrisy. Letters A letter writer’s words symbolize action and craftiness. Solitude In his solitude Alceste separates himself from society’s bounds. Motifs Themes Symbols Motifs Célimène's sensible, sincere cousin; Philinte’s love interest Éliante Kind, practical friend of Alceste’s; seeks social harmony and peace of mind Philinte Critical misanthrope with a passion for sincerity; in love with Célimène Alceste Flirtatious gossip courted by many suitors; socially prominent widow Célimène Main Characters Molière was a French playwright, considered one of the most influential masters of comedy. Raised near wealthy society, his keen observational skill allowed him to satirize the hypocrisy of the aristocratic culture around him. Molière’s critiques offended the church, however, and some of his works were banned. MOLIÈRE1622–73 Author Society’s rules determine who gains power—but justice doesn’t always follow. Power & Justice People believe what they want to believe about love to reassure themselves. Love & Delusion Hypocrisy helps people get ahead but doesn’t spare them from others’ harsh words. Hypocrisy & Society Alceste, the proclaimed misanthrope, does his best to point out the flaws of aristocrats—including himself. His courtship of Célimène reveals the hypocrisies of French society, with its false flattery and reluctance to speak the truth openly. THEMES Exploiting the Comedic Value of Hypocrisy French Original Language 1666 First Performed Molière Author The Misanthrope Comedy Play
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