Tartuffe: Difference between revisions

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A [[comedy]] by [[Molière]].
A [[comedy]] by [[Molière]].


==Background==
==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.
<em>Tartuffe</em> 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==
==Themes==
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=== Orgon ===
=== Orgon ===
Could be considered the protagonist. Father of Damis and Mariane. Husband to Elmire.
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 ===
=== Damis ===
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.
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 ===
=== 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)
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 ===
=== Dorine ===
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=== Mariane ===
=== Mariane ===
Daughter of Orgon, engaged to Valére, is the subject of controversy when Orgon decides that she is to marry Tartuffe.  
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 ===
=== Elmire ===
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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.   
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 was 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.
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 ==
== Related Materials ==
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