Name: Per:
Moliere’s The Misanthrope
ACT I
1. Philinte and Alceste are discussing the art of social conversation in Scene 1. Summarize Alceste’s opinion about dealing with people.
What is Philinte’s response?
2. Contrast the two characters from this opening scene (give descriptive adjectives).
Who is the more attractive character? Why?
3. Define a misanthrope. Quote a line that represents this description of Alceste.
4. What are Philinte’s suggestions to Alceste regarding Alceste’s upcoming court case?
What is Alceste’s reaction to this advice?
5. Describe Alceste’s love, Célimène. Why is his choice of this young lady so ironic?
6. Describe Oronte’s idea of friendship.
What is Alceste’s reaction? (p. 32) (line 282)
7. What is Alceste’s opinion of Oronte’s sonnet? Quote two lines that express his feelings.
What does Alceste’s mode of criticism (asides and hypothetical third person) suggest about his philosophy of frankness?
Act II
8. What are Célimène and Alceste arguing about?
Why does Célimène keep all of her suitors?
9. During their gossip session, Célimène, Acaste, and Clitandre describe some stereotypical members of their court (and of our own society). Briefly describe what is being satirized for each
Cleonte:
Damon:
Timante:
Gerald:
Belise:
Adraste:
Cleon:
Damis:
10. What does Alceste say about the gossipers? (p. 65) (lines 223-236)
11. What is Alceste’s idea of love? (p. 68) (lines 252-260)
12. Summarize Eliante’s statement about love.
13. How does Alceste’s criticism of Oronte’s sonnet come back to haunt Alceste at the end of Act II?
Act III
14. Summarize Acaste’s opinion of himself.
What is his attitude toward courtship?
What do the two suitors agree to, regarding Célimène? (p. 83) (lines 63-70)
15. Define a prude.
How does Célimène explain Arsinoé’s prudishness? (p. 86) (lines 78-96)
What is Célimène’s attitude toward Arsinoé when she enters the room?
16. What is the criticism Arsinoé makes of Célimène regarding the gossip she heard from “virtuous folk?”
17. Célimène criticizes Arsinoé; list these complaints about Arsinoé’s reputation.
18. Explain Arsinoé’s hypocrisy as cited by Célimène.
19. List the advice these “distinguished people” gave about Arsinoé’s behavior.
20. How does Célimène “put down” Arsinoé? (p. 92) (lines 199-208)
21. What is Arsinoé’s accusation toward Célimène? (p. 93) (lines 225-248)
22. Describe Arsinoé’s tone toward Alceste at the end of Act III (Scene 7).
What does Arsinoé offer Alceste?
What does Arsinoé tell Alceste about his love Célimène?
Act IV
23. Summarize what Alceste told the marshals during the hearing with Oronte. What was the outcome of the hearing?
24. What “mortal blow” has Alceste received?
25. What are Eliante’s feelings about Alceste? (romantically)
26. Philinte makes what offer to Eliante?
27. Why is Alceste so furious?
28. What offer does Alceste make to Eliante? Her reply?
29. What is Célimène’s first response when Alceste shows her the letter to Oronte? Her later confession?
30. Ironically, what does Alceste ask of Célimène on pages 116 and 117? (lines 249-258) Her response?
31. Describe Alceste’s vision of his love for Célimène.
32. At the end of Act IV, what message does Dubois have for Alceste?
Act V
33. What is the outcome of Alceste’s court case?
34. What do Alceste and Oronte demand of Célimène?
35. What does the note to Clitandre prove about Célimène?
36. What are her suitors’ reactions to the note?
37. Describe Alceste’s “put down” of Arsinoé and her response. (p. 146-147) (lines 274-289)
38. What is Célimène’s reaction to the reading of the note?
39. Alceste makes what offer to Célimène? Her answer?
40. Of all the romantic interests in the play, what two characters end up together? Do you think that is appropriate? Why or why not?
41. What is your attitude toward Alceste? Do you think he can ever be happy in society? Explain.
42. List as many objects of satire in this play as you can; for each, give short examples from the play to prove your conclusions.