Hypocrisy

Definition

Hypocrisy refers to the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often involves a disconnect between stated values and actual actions, revealing a facade of virtue while concealing underlying flaws. This concept is prevalent in both social interactions and theatrical narratives, where characters may espouse high ideals but behave contrary to those principles, providing fertile ground for comedic exploration and critique.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Molière's works, hypocrisy is often a central theme, with characters like Tartuffe exemplifying individuals who masquerade as pious while exploiting others for personal gain.
2. Oscar Wilde's comedies expose the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where characters maintain a facade of propriety while engaging in morally questionable behaviors behind closed doors.
3. Both Molière and Wilde use humor as a means to critique hypocrisy, making audiences laugh while simultaneously reflecting on their own societal values and behaviors.
4. Hypocrisy can create tension in comedic scenarios, as characters' duplicity leads to misunderstandings and conflicts that drive the plot forward.
5. The portrayal of hypocrisy in these works not only entertains but also encourages audiences to question social norms and the authenticity of their interactions with others.

Review Questions

• How do Molière's characters illustrate the concept of hypocrisy through their actions and dialogue?
  • Molière’s characters often embody hypocrisy by presenting themselves as virtuous while engaging in deceitful or immoral behavior. For example, Tartuffe appears pious but seeks to manipulate and control Orgon for his own benefit. This contrast between what they claim to be and what they actually do not only drives the plot but also highlights the absurdities of societal norms, prompting audiences to critically reflect on the nature of morality and deception in their own lives.
• Discuss how Oscar Wilde's use of irony helps to reveal hypocrisy within Victorian society.
  • Wilde masterfully employs irony in his plays to expose the hypocrisy prevalent in Victorian society. Characters often make grand declarations about morality while secretly indulging in activities that contradict their stated beliefs. For instance, in 'The Importance of Being Earnest,' the characters' pursuit of social status and romantic interests reveals their superficial adherence to societal expectations, thus criticizing the disconnection between public persona and private behavior. This clever use of irony invites audiences to question the authenticity of societal morals.
• Evaluate the impact of humor as a tool for critiquing hypocrisy in both Molière's and Wilde's works.
  • Humor serves as a powerful vehicle for critiquing hypocrisy in both Molière’s and Wilde’s works. By employing comedic elements such as satire and irony, these playwrights create situations where characters’ true natures are revealed, often leading to humorous consequences. This approach not only entertains audiences but also fosters a deeper understanding of the absurdity of human behavior and societal norms. The laughter elicited prompts reflection on personal beliefs and encourages a dialogue about authenticity versus pretense in social interactions.

Related terms

Irony: A literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning, often used to highlight contradictions or absurdities in behavior.

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and human vices, frequently targeting hypocrisy.

Moralism: The practice of promoting moral standards or principles in a way that can sometimes be hypocritical if one's own behavior does not align with those standards.