Tartuffe
Background
Tartuffe 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
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.
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
Tartuffe 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
The theme of Hierarchy is very prevalent in Tartuffe because the majority of the play is taking place in the family's home. The home is an example of hierarchy because it is organized in a way such that everyone has their own ranking. The home in which the play takes place is the Father's, Orgon, home. Orgon feels like what he says must go because he is the highest ranking character in the hierarchy. An example of this is when he tells his daughter, Mariane, that she must marry Tartuffe instead of Valere. She would not dare to disobey her father because he is sort of the "ruler" of the household. Someone who does not understand her place in the hierarchy is Dorine. She is the servant, but is one of the most out spoken of them all.
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
Protagonist of the play. Husband to Elmire and father to Damis and Mariane. He lets his hunger for power cloud his common sense and ultimatly loses his family's respect. He is also very prideful and refuses to admit when he is wrong. His reckless actions puts the family in danger financially and bodily.
Damis
The son of Orgon and the stepson to Elmire. He is ruled by his immaturity and short temper and often finds himself in difficult situations. However, he is very loyal to his family and his actions are always done with good intentions.
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 to hear." (1.1.38) He is the one person who Orgon usually listens to.
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 essential to the comical aspects of the play. It seems her main purpose in the play is for the comic relief, and benefits the family as a level head.
Mariane
Daughter of Orgon, engaged to Valére, is the subject of controversy when Orgon decides that she is to marry Tartuffe. She is a very good and proper daughter and always tries to obey;even when it causes her personal grief. She eventually decides to stand up for her happiness and goes against her father's orders.
Elmire
Orgon's second wife. She is presumably significantly younger than Orgon. She is the object of Tartuffe's affection, and 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. He loves Mariane, and his only wish is to have her hand in marriage. Even though Orgon breaks his promise to Valere of marriage to Mariane, he still rallies for the family's cause because of his love for her. He shows true loyalty, and is rewarded his heart's desire at the end.
Madame Pernelle
Orgon's mother. She is the "Lady of the House". Very outspoken and opinionated, and believes in Tartuffe's sencerity as a pious man. 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.
Act II
Marianne asks her father, Orgon, about her marriage to Valere but he says he plans to wed her to Tartuffe. She is in love with Valere and is distraught by her father's decision. She begs her father not to force this disgusting arrangement upon her.
===Act III=== Act III starts with Damis rambling to Dorine about his father’s plan to force Mariane to marry Tartuffe. Dorine tries to get rid of him because she has already made arrangements for Elmire to talk to Tartuffe. Damis won’t leave and Tartuffe is coming so Damis hides in a closet.
Tartuffe enters and addresses Dorine and asks her to cover up her breast. He says that the flesh is weak, and unclean thoughts are difficult to control. Dorine says that she could see him completely naked and not have any unclean thoughts. Then she tells him that Elmire is coming and wants to speak with him.
Elmire enters and Tartuffe starts complementing her beautiful body and states how happy he is to be alone with her. She tells him that she wants to talk about a private matter and he says he been waiting for the moment to open his heart to her. He slides closer to her and starts to tell her how he admires her. He puts his had on her knee and she begins to slide away from him as he slides closer. Elmire getting back to the subject asks him about her husband breaking his promise to his daughter. He says that Orgon mentions it but he doesn't want to marry Mariane, because he has his mind on someone else. He keeps talking about how much he likes her. Then she reminds him of his religious status, but he says even religious men are weak when it comes to her charms. He offers to give her his love and assures that he will protect her from the ridicule of others, because he also wants to protect his self. Elmire makes a deal with Tartuffe. She will not tell her husband about what he did if he persuaded Orgon to let Mariane marry Valere.
Act IV
Act IV begins with a discussion between Cleante and Tartuffe, in which Cleante advises Tartuffe that causing problems within the family goes against his Christian beliefs and preaching. Tartuffe claims to harbor no ill will against Damis for his having told Orgon of Tartuffe's proclaimations to Elmire in the previous act. Tartuffe also claims to accept Orgon's bequethment of an inheritance for the sole purpose of safe-guarding the wealth from the sinners.
Dorine, Elmire, and Mariane enlist Cleante's assistance in an attempt to convince Orgon to disregard his intentions to force Mariane to marry Tartuffe. However, Orgon cannot be swayed from his decision, even though Mariane would gladly give up her inheritance to get out of such a fate. Orgon decides that Mariane must marry Tartuffe more than ever, simply because she dislikes the man so much.
Elmire realizes that Orgon's opinions of Tartuffe can only be swayed were he to witness the man's true nature for himself. Thus, she proposes to trick Tartuffe into re-admitting the feelings he proclaimed for her earlier while Orgon hides under a table. Tartuffe does admit his feelings and requests physical proof that Elmire returns his feelings for her. He then proceeds to speak of how Orgon is completely incompetant. Tartuffe's disloyal words regarding Orgon prove to be the final straw, for Orgon tells Tartuffe to leave the house immediately. Tartuffe promises retribution. As the final scene closes, Orgon makes reference to a strong box, the significance of which will not become apparent until the next act.
Act V
Cleante and Orgon start of this act deliberating about what to do with the current situation. Orgon tells that he will never trust another pious man. Cleante then explains to him how he is never rational and can not take a middle ground in anything. It is then that Damis comes in and talks of how he will go and seek revenge upon Tartuffe. Cleante, again the voice of reason, talks of how violence can not solve problems.
Madame Pernelle, Mariane, Elmire, and Dorine then come into the act. Madame Pernelle explains how she still believes that Tartuffe could be no scoundrel and would never harm anyone. Orgon tries to explain to her about Tartuffe's deceit but she will still not believe a word. It is then that Monsieur Loyal, the bailiff, shows up with some bad news for Orgon. He tells that the entire estate belongs to Tartuffe and that everyone has till morning to leave the estate.
Valere soon shows after Monsieur Loyal has left and speaks that he has more bad news. He warns Orgon that there is a warrant out for him and the police are on their way to get him. Before Orgon can escape though Tartuffe shows up with an officer to stop him. This is when a twist forms and the officer actually arrests Tartuffe. The King knew of Orgon from the war and how Orgon had helped him. He saw through Tartuffe and realized that something was not right. So the play ends with a happy ending, Tartuffe goes off to jail and everything is returned to Orgon.
Related Materials
Productions and Translations
Critical Perspectives
- Lucas, Gerald. "Keeping Up Appearances." 15 Jan 2006.