Society, Patterns of Social Interaction, and "The Misanthrope"

My initial definition of society at the beginning of this course was: an established group of people with a stratified class/socio-economic structure, codified religious and/or philosophical ideas, as well as, responsibilities and expectations for all members of the group; it usually has an appointed leader or group of leading officials. Now, after reading a variety of literature regarding people, society, and comedy, particularly Moliere’s “The Misanthrope,” I feel as though I have developed a more accurate definition of society. This definition includes a clause specifically dealing with social traditions, mores, and patterns of behavior/etiquette: an established group of people with a stratified class/socio-economic structure, codified religious and/or philosophical ideas, as well as, responsibilities and expectations for all members of the group, including specific traditions dealing with social interaction and manners when addressing peers and members of differing classes; it usually has an appointed leader or group of leading officials. “The Misanthrope” highlights the rigid court of Louis XIV who’s paranoia led him to create an ingenious system of manners, dress, and behavior to ensure that his courtesans would be focused on themselves and not focused on plotting to overthrow the current monarchy. Moliere’s play perfectly captures the codified etiquette, as well as people’s reactions and adherence to these social traditions. Alceste, Celimene, Eliante, and Philinte all react to these expectations/rules of etiquette in their own way--proving that patterns of behavior/a system of manners are a part of any functioning society. Alceste is disgusted by these mores and wishes to leave French society, while Celimene is so adept at adhering to these traditions that she is alienated by her peers once her true nature is revealed. To many audiences, Eliane and Philinte seem to have found an appropriate balance between morally acceptable behavior and Louis XIV’s rules of etiquette. I hope my definition of society will continue to evolve throughout the duration of this semester.