Tartuffe: Difference between revisions

A [[comedy]] by [[Molière]].

<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.

<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.

The theme of Hierarchy is very prevalent in <i>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.

Could be considered the protagonist. Father of Damis and Mariane. Husband to Elmire.

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.

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)

Daughter of Orgon, engaged to Valére, is the subject of controversy when Orgon decides that she is to marry Tartuffe.  

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.

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.

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.

Marianne asks her father, Orgon, about her marriage to Valere but he says he plans to wed her to Tartuffe. She does not like Tartuffe at all because she is in love with Valere.