Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Acting and Directing

Committee Chair

Lee Blair

Committee Co-Chair

Aubrey Sirtautas

Committee Member

Alan McEwen

Abstract

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name, Molière, was widely known as one of the greatest writers in France. His biting satirical thoughts on French hypocrisy, as well as the brilliance in his verse, will be investigated through one of his most popular plays, The Misanthrope. Throughout these pages, I will explore this by diving into the character of Philinte, the trusted best friend of Alceste, the misanthrope, and take a deeper look into the empathetic character who is desperately trying to walk the line of truth and bootlicking. I will accomplish this by researching Molière himself, his specific style of writing, and the French hypocrisy he pokes fun at within in his plays. Finally, I will look back on the process itself and the highs, lows, and struggles within the rehearsal room of West Virginia University’s recent production of Richard Wilbur’s adaptation of The Misanthrope as well as the creation of my own adaptation of the play, haters gonna hate, and how the writing of this piece helped further my understanding of this old French play that rhymes.

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