What is Comedy Anyways?

On my quest to discover what comedy is, I referred back to my notes from the first day. I defined comedy as “something that creates laughter and a sense of light-heartedness.” I created this with a puffed up chest so full of pride. But sadly, I had just scraped the surface of what comedy really is. I also found a list of word associations for comedy and it said things like “sarcasm, dry humor, practical jokes, puns, etc. ” Once again, an inaccurate representation of what comedy is.

            Mr. Frye was kind enough to nail down a very in depth definition of comedy and it has helped me analyze the works we’ve read thus far. First of all, comedy isn’t necessarily what we would term as “funny.” It is not guaranteed to make you double over in laughter. Rather, it points out the amusing flaws in human nature. Frye provides a great definition that pretty much explains the whole class: “comedy is designed not to condemn evil, but to ridicule a lack of self-knowledge.” Once you know this, it is much easier to grasp what the entire purpose of comedy is. It will show you various flaws represented by the characters, but it a light manner. It allows you to take a second look at some flaws you might possess without getting a chip on your shoulder. One might argue that comedy is an extremely powerful tool for playwrights to convey their thoughts and ideas. 

The Misanthrope: Self-Knowledge

“Leave the morals of the world alone,

And worry rather more about your own.

They felt that one’s self-knowledge should be great

Before one thinks of setting others straight”

p. 90 Celimene to Arsinoe

When I read this part, I instantly thought of how Frye defined comedy.  He claimed that comedy is designed “to ridicule a lack of self-knowledge.”   Self-knowledge is the understanding of one’s own capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

There are several characters in this play who are definitely lacking self-knowledge.  Alceste is very critical of every man he encounters, but he never seems to take a good look at himself to determine if he possesses any of the characteristics that he is so judgmental of in others.  Celimene looks down upon Arsinoe because of her prudish ways, but sees no fault in herself for acting flirtatious with all the men around her.  Arsinoe, on the other hand, does not approve of Celimene’s coquettish lifestyle, but is “vain enough to paint her face.”  These are all instances of the pot calling the kettle black, as the popular phrase goes.  These characters point out the flaws and shortcomings of others, but see nothing wrong in themselves.  None of them have a strong sense of self-knowledge.

Self-knowledge, or the lack thereof, seems to be a continuing theme in the plays that we read.  From my point of view, the mention of self-knowledge serves to demonstrate how judgmental society can be.  This must have been a societal concern when Moliere wrote this play in 1666, and it is still relevant today.  Self-knowledge can be improved by evaluating your own motives, morals, and actions and not being so quick to compare yourself to others or judge them.  The lack of self-knowledge in the characters in The Misanthrope and how it negatively affects their relationships illustrates the need for more self-knowledge in society.