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 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

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 starts with Madame Pernelle appalled by the fact that no one listens to her and she goes off on all of the people in the room. She tells everyone what is on her mind about the individual. Damis and Dorine argue about Tartuffe's credibility with Madame Pernelle. Orgon returns to only be concerned about Tartuffe, who has Orgon praising him. Cleante questions the engagement of Mariane and Valere and goes to warn Valere that Orgon is not keeping his promise.

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]