Tartuffe: Difference between revisions

*Hypocrisy

**<i>Tartuffe</i> 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.

*'''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.   

*'''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 cause 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.