Word: harpagon
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Dates: during 1896-1896
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...main theme of "The Miser," as it is called, is the blind greed and selfishness of the old man, Harpagon. The opportunity for the comic element is evident and it is made the most of. In the relations, however, between Harpagon and Cleante and Mariane, his son and daughter the comedy merges into real tragedy. From an eccentricity, Harpagon's closeness becomes a vice which strains his family ties, and threatens to ruin the lives of his children. Neglected by their father they in turn forget their duty toward him. Finally, in spite of this fatal evil which...