Meditation 11 4-25-07

I really enjoyed reading The Misanthrope; it was very amusing and beautifully written. I thought that it was an intriguing translation and I am glad that we got to read the “good one,” I am not sure I could have stomached the play though another translation. I thought that it was an easy and enjoyable read because it was all in verse and because it was so humorous. I suppose verse isn’t always easy to read, in fact it took me a little while to get into it, but once I caught on the play was a very smooth read.

The interaction between the characters is similar to college students today. The petty fights, the gossip, the hierarchy, and the fight for the beautiful girl all seem to coincide with college life. I found it amazing that a play written about life so long ago could relate so perfectly with life today. I have been able to sort of relate to plays we have read this year, but none so far have been as accurate to contemporary living as The Misanthrope. I think this just goes to show that theatre is based off a real life story. Theatre is essentially life; the players are just choosing to play a different character from their own.