Reviews

The Misanthrope by Molière

sam_i_am_books_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

hotcinnamonchai's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved the drama! Célimène is for the streets!

cayden_'s review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

reaganwaggoner's review against another edition

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5.0

Really, really well-written play. I may look for an acted out version. It was that good. Beautiful lines and dialogues. I love the prevalence of one-on-one conversations/spars/arguments and the poetic tune of the lines. Beautiful, really. And the story itself is fantastic. Why the men love Celimene I have no idea. I love the writing style and content as a whole. Fantastic, really. And the themes - they're pretty cool too

(To Alceste) You haven't gone?
Alceste: No; and I shan't depart
Till you decide who's foremost in your heart
Celimene: Oh, hush.
Alceste: It's time to choose; take them, or me.
Celimene: You're mad.
Alceste: I'm not, as you shall shortly see.
Celimene: Oh?
Alceste: You'll decide.
Celimene: You're joking now, dear friend.
Alceste: No, no; you'll choose; my patience is at an end.

"My love for that young widow's not the kind
That can't perceive defects; no, I'm not blind.
I see her faults, despite my ardent love,
And all I see I fervently reprove
And yet I'm weak; for all her falsity,
That woman knows the art of pleasing me,
And though I never cease complaining of her,
I swear I cannot manage not to love her.
Her charm outweighs her faults; I can but aim
To cleanse her spirit in my love's pure flame."

*Summary for myself if i ever read again or want to remember*
Alcaste, main character, rants to Philinte about the corruption of mankind.. ranting about lack of integrity and character, etc. Oronte appears and asks for an evaluation of his poem, which Alceste says is terrible. Philinte appeals to Oronte's emotions through praise, but Alceste rebukes this display. Oronte is horrified at this candid response, even though he asked for it.

Alceste does not hold back in rebuking Celimene, the woman he is in love with, either. He doesn't like her flirtatious behavior with other men. Lots of gossip all over the place, which annoys Alceste. Philinte tells Eliante that Alceste will not retract opinion of Oronte's poem (lots of he-said, she-said, huh?) Eliante admires Alceste's courage; Philinte confesses his love for her.

More arguments ensue between Alcaste and Celimene. Alcaste continues to argue with Philinte about justice and society. Celimene's two suiters say she must pick between them. Then, damaging letters show up that she wrote about them. Oronte leaves, as do the other gentlemen, leaving just her and Alcaste. Alcaste asks her to retire to solitude with him, she refuses, so he no longer loves her and devotes the rest of his life to solitude and fighting society.

kilforheaven's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

nhacco's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

salmanadir's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5/5
Donc c'est mon premier Molière et je ne sais pas quelque point de vue j'ai sur cet auteur.
D'après ma lecture du bourgeois gentilhomme je crois que le français ne doit pas être nommé par " la langue de Molière " mais c'est seulement mon opinion qui peut être faux.
Commençons par le genre littéraire de cette pièce théâtrale : c'est une comédie ballet et je crois que Molière a réussi à nous faire rire voire divertir . La structure des personnages était bien construite . Mais ma critique est la suivante :
Je ne sais pas si le dramaturge nous croit dupes car le personnage de monsieur jourdain est loiin d'être réel certes c'est vrai qu'il y a des bourgeois qui sont aveugles par leurs ambitions nobiliaires mais ce n'est pas à ce point là et en plus la scène où cleonte et covielle vont utiliser un déguisement pour tromper monsieur Jourdain c'est m'importe quoi .

marthagal's review against another edition

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4.0

I feel silly giving a number-of-stars-review to a play written by a dude who was BFFs with the King of France in the 1660s on a web site. I also feel silly listening to a novel by a Bronte on my iPod walking to the subway. It just feels wrong.

So, I liked it. That's all.

tsadooni's review against another edition

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3.0

17th century curb your Enthusiasm.

kmack1230's review against another edition

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3.0

Célimène is the pire.