Haine et misanthropie dans Timon d’Athènes, de Shakespeare

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study pathological misanthropy in its relationship with hatred. MethodologyA review of the concept of misanthropy in history, basing the discussion on Shakespeare's Timon of Athens (1608). We will first see how the misanthropy was approached in the course of the history of psychiatry. We will then go on to consider Shakespeare's play, where the central character embodies the paradigm of misanthropy, with one particularity: Timon shifts from philanthropy to the most absolute misanthropy. ResultsHatred, like misanthropy, is trans-structural. It takes on variable forms and intensity according to subjects, and to the structure to which they belong. Hatred and misanthropy can undoubtedly be pathological, and can be encountered in certain forms of psychosis, and in paranoia in particular. We will see what it was that made Timon move from philanthropy to misanthropy, and how philanthropy and excessive prodigality for a long time prevented him from sinking into madness. We thus perceive the utility and the function of his philanthropy, and the misanthropic solution that led him to hate the human race, to reject it radically, to finally die in solitude. DiscussionWe will attempt to articulate misanthropy with social ties, since it is rejection, hatred and a breaking off from the Other, with paranoia, and with appearances, since the misanthrope is intent on denouncing them. ConclusionShakespeare's Timon of Athens raises the issues of pathological misanthropy and its relationship with hatred. The character invites us more specially to explore paranoid hatred, the shift from philanthropy to misanthropy, the preventive function of his initial philanthropy, and the wavering of appearances at the time of the triggering of a psychosis.