Courage In Molière's The Misanthrope

“The Misanthrope” written by Molière is a satirical comedic play which highlights the flaws of society. The protagonist , named Alceste, is the misanthrope. Consequently, this personality trait somewhat isolates him from the others. He faces numerous crises, as he is involved in a lawsuit and the strength of his relationship with his girlfriend Célimène is weakening. Evidently, Célimène is a coquetry which bring upon conflicts between Alceste and the flirtatious men. A hero, according to the dictionary.com, “is a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model”. Bravery, strength, empathy, altruism are some of the qualities of a hero. Accordingly, it is often presumed that …show more content…
Molière portrays courage in Alceste by using humans’ irrational fears. Alceste’s courage shines through by setting himself apart from the rest of the society by being honest. Alceste’s friend Philinte explains that, “It’s often best to veil one’s true emotions” (p.19). Philinte suggests that Alceste should censor himself as to condemn a person is a sensitive issue. In response, Alceste says, “... this formula you’d have me follow,/ However fashionable, is false and hollow” (p.17). Alceste claims that these lies may please one’s ears even though they are not true. He mentions that people lie often and that it has become a formula. By following it, is a false method to charm others. Accordingly, humans tend to avoid speaking the truth as they are afraid to be criticized by others. This aspects of the importance of speaking the truth highlights that his critical comments should not be interpreted as an ‘anti-hero’, as most people are afraid to stand by their opinion. Alceste stands by his idea of being honest throughout the play as he makes several claims such as, “I lack their art of telling pleasant lies” (p.41) and “My tongue won’t lie and flatter as it should;” (p.133). This explains Alceste’s character. He remains true to himself, despite running into the conflicts with Célimène and Philinte, and in order to resolve these problems he may have to change, with respect with the “formula”. He respect his viewpoint, of …show more content…
Oronte, the one in love with Célimène, presents a poem, he has written, to Alceste. Alceste warns him, when he asked for his opinion that, “ I am, I fear,/ Inclined to be unfashionably sincere” (p.33). Alceste says that he does follow the unpopular trend to be honest. In response, Oronte says, “ In anything but your sincere reaction./ I beg you not to dream of being kind.” (p.34). Oronte shows an understanding that by being honest of one’s work is right as it opens the doors for improvement. Unlike Philinte who claims that the poem was “delightfully”, “handsomely phrased” (p.36) and one of the best poem he has ever heard. There is a clear juxtaposition between Alceste and Philinte. Even though Alceste warned Oronte about his criticizing personality, Oronte shows admiration. Another character who show special regard to Alceste is Éliante. She represents one of the voices of reason in this play. During the conversation between her and Philinte on the subject of Alceste, she claims that, “ Still, I confess that I respect him greatly./ The honesty in which he takes such pride./ Has-to my mind- its noble, heroic side./In this false age, such candor seems outrageous;/ But I could wish that it were more contagious.” (p.104) Her statement explains that there are very few people who speak from their heart. She admires Alceste has he is unlike the people in society: he is different, like what a