Abstract
This paper provides a discussion and analysis of Jean Baptiste Moliere's play "The Misanthrope" with an emphasis on the character Alceste. The paper shows how Alceste is the medium through which Moliere presents tragic elements in the play, yet the play is much more comedy than tragedy.

From the Paper
"Moliere's play 'The Misanthrope' is a comedy that represents social satire, satirizing the conventions of the society which Moliere lived in and observed. Perhaps the character of Alceste best demonstrates the elements of comedy and tragedy that co-exist in Moliere's play. Alceste after all realizes his jealous nature makes him a comic figure. In fact humankind's tragedy as expressed by Moliere is that it cannot admit how funny, hypocritical and ironic most of its actions and views are. Because of this Moliere's play is..."

Tags:hypocrisy, dishonesty, jealousy, self-perception, personal insight, social values

Abstract
This paper discusses how "The Misanthrope" reflects some of playwright Moliere's feelings about religion. The writer describes a relationship between sin (lust) and religion in Celemine and Alceste and other characters in the play.

From the Paper
"Moliere often mocked religion in his plays. Another of the author s famous plays is Tartuffe, which satirizes the extremely religious title character s piety. Tartuffe eventually attempts to seduce the wife of his pious patron. But in The Misanthrope there seems to be more sympathy for religious ideals. The society in which Alceste dwells is in fact corrupt. It is filled with puffed-up court poets like Oronte who walk about, spouting dreadful verse and engaging in the sort of sexual intrigues with Celimene that Alceste despises."

Tags:religion, sin, catholic, evil, alceste, celimene, tartuffe, society, france, philinte, satire