Hypocrisy

Definition

Hypocrisy is the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. It often involves a discrepancy between what someone says and what they actually do, revealing a lack of sincerity or integrity. This concept plays a crucial role in literature and theatre, particularly in works that examine human behavior and societal norms, often highlighting the contradictions in character and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Molière's plays often featured characters whose hypocrisy was central to the plot, showcasing societal norms and personal vices through comedic situations.
2. Racine and Corneille also explored themes of hypocrisy, but often in more serious contexts, using tragedy to highlight moral conflicts and the consequences of disingenuous behavior.
3. The concept of hypocrisy was particularly significant during the French Neoclassical period as playwrights aimed to reflect and critique the values of their society.
4. Characters exhibiting hypocrisy in these plays serve as vehicles for moral lessons, allowing audiences to reflect on their own values and actions.
5. In French Neoclassical Theatre, the juxtaposition of public virtue and private vice served as a major theme, illustrating how characters can present themselves one way while acting contrary to those ideals.

Review Questions

• How does Molière use hypocrisy to develop character and theme in his works?
  • Molière uses hypocrisy as a central element in his comedies by creating characters who outwardly espouse virtues but engage in immoral behaviors. This contradiction not only develops the character's complexity but also serves as a critique of societal norms. By exposing their hypocrisy through humorous situations, Molière prompts the audience to question their own values and the authenticity of social conventions.
• In what ways do Racine and Corneille address hypocrisy differently compared to Molière?
  • Racine and Corneille approach hypocrisy with a more serious tone than Molière, focusing on the tragic consequences that arise from moral conflicts. While Molière highlights hypocrisy through satire and comedy, Racine's tragedies often portray characters who face devastating choices driven by their hidden desires or social pressures. This dramatic tension underscores the destructive nature of hypocrisy within human relationships and societal expectations.
• Evaluate how the exploration of hypocrisy in French Neoclassical Theatre reflects broader societal issues of the time.
  • The exploration of hypocrisy in French Neoclassical Theatre serves as a mirror for broader societal issues such as class structure, morality, and human behavior. By portraying characters who struggle with their public personas versus private actions, playwrights comment on the integrity of societal values during a time when rigid social hierarchies prevailed. This examination invites audiences to consider the authenticity of their own lives and the potential disconnect between personal beliefs and public image, illustrating how theatre can challenge prevailing norms.

Related terms

Irony: A rhetorical device or situation where there is a significant difference between what is expected or understood and what actually occurs, often used to highlight hypocrisy.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals or societal norms, frequently exposing hypocrisy in characters or situations.

Moral Dilemma: A situation in which a person faces conflicting moral choices, often revealing their true beliefs and potentially leading to hypocritical behavior.