Tartuffe Essay, Research Paper

The 17th century was a time of high society, it was the norm to obey the rules deemed correct by social leaders. These social rules, more commenly called manners, were the foundation by which people lived. The 17th century also saw a change in literary style. It was during this time that the satire became the preferred type of comedy used in literature. One of the best satirest of the Enlightenment was Jean Baptiste Moliere. It was Moliere s ablity to poke fun at the manners of 17th century cotemporary society that made him popular with the times. Moliere s most famous work, Tartuffe, directly attacks the manifestation of hypocrisy in 17th century society.

When speaking of hypocrisy in 17th century society, one must look no further then religion and the people who preach it. It is hypocrisy within religion where Moliere bases his play, Tartuffe. Infact, Tartuffe in French translates as the hypocrite. Since Religion was a main focal point for 17th century society, anyone deemed pious was looked upon as a role model and spoke about with prestige. Moliere uses this 17th century belief to open the door for his hypocritical character Tartuffe. Tartuffes character was a one time beggar who has won over social status by acting pious. Tartuffe plays on the ingnorance of the people to convince them that he is more then a lowly beggar. He makes people belive that he was put on the earth to do the bidding of the lord and that everyone should follow along the path that he leads. His trickery and deceit take him along way. By pretending to be pious he wins over the affection of an esteemed nobleman named Orgon. Orgon, who is the epitome of gullible, is so taken by the seemingly unwavering piousness of Tartuffe, that he invite Tartuffe to live in his house. Orgon is also so mystified by Tartuffe, that he neglects the reasoning of all others in his household.

Moliere uses the first half of the play to give the reader an idea of what the all the characters think about Tartuffe. All of the Characters, with the exception of Orgon and Madame Pernelle, describe Tartuffe as being a hypocrite. However it is not until the second half of the play that Moliere gives the reader first hand evidence that Tartuffe is truly a hypocrite. For instance, in act III scene 2, Tartuffe chides Dorin for speaking bluntly about sexual matters, Girl speak more modestly; unless you do, I shall be forced to take my leave of you.() Then in act III scene 3, Tartuffe is the one who speaks bluntly about sexual matters to Elmire, Our senses are quite rightly captivated by perfect works our maker has created. Some glory clings to all that heaven has made; in you all heavens marvel are displayed. On that fair face, such beauties have been lavished, the eyes are dazzled and the heart is ravished.() Elmire then asks Tartuffe if what he has just said contradicts his supposed pious nature. Tartuffe s response to Elmire questioning is, With your celestial charms before his eyes, a man has not the power to be wise.() In this conversation, Tartuffe shows the reader exactly why some call him a hypocrite. Another major instance in which Moliere has Tartuffe show himself as a hypocrite to the reader is in act V, scene I, when Orgon tells his brother Cleante how he gave a box full of incriminating papers to Tartuffe for safe keeping. Orgon explaines why he gave Tartuffe the paper by saying, Those papers vexed my conscience, and it seemed best to ask the counsel of my pious guest. The cunning scoundrel got me to agree to leave the stong-box in his custody,so that,in case of an investigation, I could employ a slight equivocation and swear I didn t have it, and thereby, at no expense to conscience, tell a lie.() Then in act V, scene 6, Orgon learns from Valere that Tartuffe has gone straight to the king with the box of incriminating papers, in an attempt to have Orgon be arrested for hiding incriminating evidence. Valere says, Sir, though I hate to bring you more bad news, such is the danger that I cannot choose That scoundrel who s imposed upon you so, denounced you to the king an hour ago and, as supporting evidence, displayed the strong-box of a certain renegade whose secret paper, so he testified,you had disloyally agreed to hide.()