Virtual Learning
Originally aired live October 15, 2020
Classics Revisited Webinar Series: The Misanthrope by Moliere
panelists + moderator
Attendee Responses + Information
Moliere’s The Misanthrope is one of the wittiest and simultaneously the deepest reflection on comedy by a comedian. It contains the clever repartee of Jane Austen or Oscar Wilde (in French verse) combined with the self-conscious defense of comedy like Shakespeare’s defense of drama in Measure for Measure. Very thoughtful reflections on human nature are combined with reflections on comedy in the moral economy of the court. White lies make social life possible and sincerity has its limits. Moliere knows only too well the temptations of brutal honesty and sees the falsity of politesse at Versailles, yet he is wise enough to understand that the mild inclusive philanthropic comedy of Horace is the only one compatible with life at court. A century later, Rousseau was baffled when his fellow theatregoers found Alceste, the misanthrope, funny, since he was so clearly right.
Bibliotheca is happy to share these additional resources and references related to and/or mentioned during this webinar. Use the download link below for a full-text version of the chat log.
You may also like
Insights + Trends

Webinar: Book Ban – You are not alone
Book banning continues to be in the headlines. Join us in an engaging conversation about book censorship and hear some insiders’ perspectives so you can be better prepared for what is to come.

See what’s new this February on biblio+
This month we’re featuring movies and series inspired by Black History Month, including Michelle Obama: Life After the White House, and so much more.

Solution as a Service allows Kerrville to stay cutting-edge
Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library uses Bibliotheca funding for library equipment