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A [[comedy]] by [[Molière]]. | [[Image:Tartuffe.jpg|right|thumb|Tartuffe Costume]]A [[comedy]] by [[Molière]]. | ||
==Background==<em>Tartuffe</em> was written in 1664 during a time when the law was dictated by the Church. Typically, the Church was very corrupt and often sought personal wealth instead of spiritual growth. The Company of the Holy Sacrament was a Catholic group who believed in good deeds and had beliefs similar to those of the Puritans. They were known to place "spiritual advisors" within the homes of the people to ensure the families salvation. The group, in particular, did not like the play because it portrayed Tartuffe, who was spiritual advisor, as a scoundrel and not a pious man. | ==Background== | ||
<em>Tartuffe</em> was written in 1664 during a time when the law was dictated by the Church. Typically, the Church was very corrupt and often sought personal wealth instead of spiritual growth. The Company of the Holy Sacrament was a Catholic group who believed in good deeds and had beliefs similar to those of the Puritans. They were known to place "spiritual advisors" within the homes of the people to ensure the families salvation. The group, in particular, did not like the play because it portrayed Tartuffe, who was spiritual advisor, as a scoundrel and not a pious man. | |||
==Themes== | ==Themes== | ||
<i>Tartuffe</i> offers many themes for one to explore. Among them are the dangers of a heirarchy within a family, religious piety and how it can be exploited, and hypocrisy and its effects on the public's view of religion. | <i>Tartuffe</i> offers many themes for one to explore. Among them are the dangers of a heirarchy within a family, religious piety and how it can be exploited, and hypocrisy and its effects on the public's view of religion. | ||
===Religious Piety=== | |||
Often times we forget to use our common sense and we will believe in things that aren't true, especially when we are blinded by trying to get into heaven. Orgon couldn't see Tartuffe for what he really was because of his quest for power within his family and within his religion. Orgon was hoping by allowing a poor religious man to live within his home that he was doing the greater good. If Orgon was just trying to do a good deed, rather than get ahead in the world of power, he would have been able to see Tartuffe for what he really was. Often times when we want something so bad, we fail to see things the way they really are. | |||
=== Hypocrisy === | === Hypocrisy === | ||
<i>Tartuffe</i> provides a startling glimpse of hypocrisy where you would least expect to find it: from a saintly priest. Throughout the play, Tartuffe pretends to be a humble and deeply religious man who is only looking to protect the family from sin and scoundrels. He righteously states that "In all things, let the will of Heaven be done” as he dutifully accepts Orgon’s gift (42). He even has the audacity to tell Cleante that he was bound by God to take the money “Lest those to whom it might descend in time turn it to purposes of sin and crime (61-62). | <i>Tartuffe</i> provides a startling glimpse of hypocrisy where you would least expect to find it: from a saintly priest. Throughout the play, Tartuffe pretends to be a humble and deeply religious man who is only looking to protect the family from sin and scoundrels. He righteously states that "In all things, let the will of Heaven be done” as he dutifully accepts Orgon’s gift (42). He even has the audacity to tell Cleante that he was bound by God to take the money “Lest those to whom it might descend in time turn it to purposes of sin and crime" (61-62). Tartuffe has cleverly convinced Orgon that he only has his best interest at heart, when in fact he “Has in a hundred ways beguiled and tricked him, milked him of money, and with his permission established here a sort of Inquisition" (30-32). Tartuffe really wears a mask of piety that he displays when it suits his "Godly" purposes. On other occasions, such as when he is attempting to seduce Elmire, he removes his mask and shows his hypocritical nature and thus, his true self. | ||
===Hierarchy=== | ===Hierarchy=== | ||