Tartuffe

Background

'Tartuffe' was written in 1664 during a time when the word of the Church was the word of law. Typically, the Church was very corrupt. The Company of the Holy Sacrament was a Catholic group who beleived in good deeds and have beliefs like the puritans. They were big on the placement of "spiritual advisors" into the homes of people. The group in particular did not like the play because it made Tartuffe, a spiritual advisor, a scoundrel and not a pious man. The first version of Tartuffe (1664), had only three acts and was banned because it was thought to be an attack to certain religious influence. It was later revised to include five acts in 1667 and was banned again. Finally in 1669 after more revisions the play was allowed.

Themes

Tartuffe 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.

Hypocrisy

Tartuffe provides hypocrisy and is the hypocrite because of the religious morals he forces upon Orgon and his family, in which he is doing to satisfying for his own personal agenda. The element or idea of a 'masque' that he wears is present by Tartuffe always playing the role of an ever so pious(having, showing, or pretending religious devotion) man who has no desire for worldly goods. This is proven when Damis tries to speaks opposingly of Tartuffe to his father. Tartuffe becomes so completely humble and knowledgeable his status, uses this to turn Orgon against Damis. Tartuffe, however is unmasked towards the end of the play when he makes a pass for Orgon's wife Elmire after we learn that Orgon has given Tartuffe all legal right to his property. Some may also see the play as a criticism of religion and the character of Tartuffe is though to have possibly been based on some figure of the time, he is not only a hypocrite in himself, but may represent hypocrisy in the church of that period.

Characters

• Tartuffe
  • The main antagonist of the play, his role as the hypocrite is concealed until very early on, though suspicion arises during the beginning of the play. He finds people's weaknesses and goes about any means necessary to get what he wants from them. His greatest flaw is his admiration of Elmire, which in the end reveals his true identity to everyone.

• Orgon
  • Could be considered the protagonist. Father of Damis and Mariane. Husband to Elmire.
• Damis
  • He is the son of Orgon and the stepson to Elmire. It is he who witnesses Tartuffe's lust for Elmire and tells his accounts to Orgon.

• Cléante
  • A man of words, he tries to reason everything in life for the better. However, Madame Pernelle thinks that his words "aren't suitable for decent folk." (20)
• Dorine
  • The lady's maid of Mariane , very "out of place" constantly interjecting with her opinion and very talkative, not the typical personality for a lady's maid. Dorine is also essential to the comical aspects of the play. It seems her main purpose in the play is for the comic relief.
• Mariane
  • Daughter of Orgon, engaged to Valére, is the subject of controversy when Orgon decides that she is to marry Tartuffe.
• Elmire
  • Orgon's second wife. She is presumably significantly younger than Orgon, as well. She is ultimately the one who brings out Tartuffe's corruptions by flirting with him with Orgon in concealed presence.
• Valére
  • He represents the loyal "Underdog" of the play. His only wish is to have Mariane's hand in marriage. Even though Orgon breaks his promise to Valere out of ambitious greed, he still rallies for the families because of his love for her. He shows true loyalty when others have faltered and is rewarded his heart's desire at the end.
• Madame Pernelle
  • Orgon's mother. She is the "Lady of the House", basically an old grandma who is jealous of the youth of her house and their vivacity. She also wants attention and for the people in the house to listen to her and her opinions.

Summary

Act I

Act I opens with Madam Pernelle cursing everyone sitting at the dinner table. This includes Cleante, Elmire, Mariane, Dorine, and Damis. Madam Pernelle is upset at what her family says about Tartuffe. The family thinks Tartuffe is a hypocrite. Madam Pernelle and Orgon think he is a saint. She is also upset at Elmire’s parties, Dorine’s attitude toward those of higher stature, Damis’s foolishness, Mariane’s quiet nature, Cleante’s secular advice and knowledge and that no one will pay attention to her. Madam Pernelle leaves the house in anger.

Everyone but Cleante and Dorine follow. Dorine takes the opportunity to complain to Cleante about the hypocritical actions of Tartuffe. Everyone who followed Madam Pernelle comes back. Elmire informs Cleante and Dorine that Orgon just arrived. Damis asks Cleante to speak with Orgon about the wedding between Valere and Mariane. Damis fears Tartuffe will use Orgon to prevent the marriage.

Orgon enters and asks about everything that happened while he was gone. Dorine informs Orgon that Elmire had been sick with a fever and that Tartuffe is perfectly healthy. Orgon is more concerned with Tartuffe’s well being than with Elmire’s sickness. Dorine makes fun of this and Orgon does not realize. Dorine then exits. Cleante asks how Orgon can be fooled by Tartuffe’s disguise. Orgon praises Tartuffe for his pious nature. Orgon talks about Tartuffe’s poverty and how he took Tartuffe into his home. Orgon says Cleante is too worldly and has unsteady faith. Orgon and Cleante argue over Tartuffe until the argument ends in a stalemate. Cleante then asks about the marriage between Valere and Mariane. Orgon promised Valere that he could wed Mariane. Cleante asks why Orgon has now postponed that wedding. Orgon has no reason except that he wishes Heaven to guide him. Cleante also asks if the union of Valere and Mariane displeases Orgon. Orgon does not know. Cleante leaves to go tell Valere that trouble is on the horizon

Additional Resources

• Tartuffe Summary(Character:Mariane) Mariane is overcome with grief when her father tells her of his plans for her to marry the "scoundrel" Tartuffe. She is heartbroken and cannot imagine spending the rest of her life with such a man. Mariane almost lets her loyalty for her family come between her and her "true love" Valere. Marianne finally comes to the realization and lets her heart lead her in the right direction, straight to Valere.

Tartuffe Study Guide [1]