Tartuffe By Moliere

By Jeffrey Aikens

|Summary|Quotes|Character Analysis|Theme Analysis|Letter to Author|Creative Writing|Literary Connection|Literature Log|Tartuffe Analysis|Quiz|Movie|About the Author | Illustration| Bibliography|

 

Summary

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Favorite Quotes

These were the quotes in Tartuffe written by Moliere that I felt truly had meaning and applied to everyday life.

This quote expressed to me that Cleante in his many attempts tried to help Orgon realize there are people who are outspoken and deceitful and there are people who are humble and righteous. “Your simulators don't disarm my wits. Like courage, piety has its hypocrites. Just as we see, where honor beckons most, the truly brave are not the ones who boast; the truly pious people, even so, are not the ones who make the biggest show. What? Do you really see no difference between devoutness and devout pretense? Do you want to give them both the selfsame place, honor the mask just as you do the face, equate artifice with sincerity, and take similitude for verity? Isn't there any difference for you between phantoms and men, false coins and true?” (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 324-338).

This quote expressed to me that Cleante wasn't the wisest of the wisest but he had common sense and wanted Orgon to have some too. “I don't possess the wisdom of the ages, and I am not a learned sage; of sages; my only knowledge and my only art is this: to tell the true and false apart.” (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 351-354).

I felt this quote denounced Tartuffe and all the people like him but shined some light on the people who are good and live by the word of God. “They do not lay about in all directions; they find excessive pride in such corrections, and leave to other all the lofty speech, while they do is practice what they preach.” (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 391-394).

Throughout the play I felt this was one thing Tartuffe said that had true meaning in it. “Believe their stories, everything they say, and like a criminal send me away: whatever ignominy lies in store, I know that I have merited far more.” (Act 3, Scene 6, Lines 1083-1086).

I felt this quote pin pointed Tartuffe's behavior and Cleante tried to call him out on it. “Even supposing Damis is to blame and that he's falsely slandered your good name, shouldn't a Christian pardon the offense and rid his heart of all malevolence? For all your quarrel, should you stand aloof and see a son denied his father's roof? I tell you once again that what you've done, frankly, seems scandalous to everyone; if you'll take my advice, you'll work for peace, and stop carrying on against Damis.” (Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 1191-1200).

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Character Analysis

Dorine

It is no secret that Dorine is an outspoken character. But her values lie way beyond perception. Even though she has a tendency to interrupt people and cause distress. You really see that she genially cares about what's going on around her and the dilemmas the people she care for are faced with. A prime example would be her speech she gave to Orgon about women who are forced to marry men they don't love, “The danger to a girl's virtue is great when she is wed to an unwelcome mate; her aim to live in modesty and honor rests on the type of man you wish upon her. And marry a man with horn upon his brow has made his wife the person she is now.” So aside from being disruptive, Dorine is caring, passionate, strong and independent.

Mariane

Mariane comes from a very sophisticated family and as result her character is very reserved and timid. Mariane lives in a society where things are already setup for her so she has no choice in the matter that is why she can't speak up for herself, “I've no compassion left for all this drivel, When once the chips are down, you simply shrivel.” Mariane's logic to solve problems are different than other people because of the situation she's in, “That's fine! I hadn't thought of that resource. Just die, and end our problems! Why, of course. A fine solution! Oh, it drives me wild to hear you talking like a silly child!”

Orgon

Orgon may well be the most naïve character in the play. Such blindness is not only erratic but scary. Tartuffe has cast a deep spell over Orgon and Orgon as a victim worships the ground he walks on, “Do you really see no difference between devoutness and devout pretense? Do you want to give them both the selfsame place, honor the mask just as you do the face, equate artifice with sincerity? Isn't there any difference for you between phantoms and men, false coins and true?” Orgon perception of the real world is so distorted that people who should mean the world to him are nothing more than the trash that pollutes the street, “He guides me on new paths in new directions…And liberates my soul from every tie. My brother, children, mother, wife could die, And I could see it without that much pain.”

Valere

Valere is a smart man and doesn't like people trying taking advantage of him. He shows us this in a conversation with Mariane, “What? Would you have me foster in my breast the love that, when you wanted, you possessed? Am I to watch you seek another's arms and not console my heart with other charms?” But deep down he is just a man in love who wants to marry Mariane.

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Theme Analysis

Hypocrisy has been in existence since the dawn of civilization. It does not just pertain to one thing but a range of things. As long as there is a society or government trying to create the most righteous or greatest way to live there is always going to be hypocrisy. In Tartuffe written by Moliere, one theme I noticed was religious hypocrisy. Some literary elements that express this theme are imagery, point of view and symbolism.

In Tartuffe written by Moliere, the whole reason Tartuffe is able to fool Orgon and Madam Pernelle is because of his image. He is being portrayed as this sanctimonious, loving, and caring person but in actuality he is the devil incarnated, “I tell you, he is truly heaven sent, in your dire need, to make you all repent.” For your salvation, listen to Tartuffe: whatever he reproves deserves reproof.” (Act 1, Scene 2, Lines 147-150). It is this image that has not only deceived the people in the play but in our society too. People are so concentrated on the image that is being projected they don't really see the motives and the actions behind that image. Cleante brings up a very good point about this, “So, nothing seems more odious to me than the disguise of specious piety, than those breast-beaters in the public whose sacrilegious and deceitful air turns to its own advantage, with a sneet, all that men hold most holy and most dear; men whom the lust for gain has so possessed that they turn piety to interest, and try to purchase honor and high places by simulated zeal and false grimaces, those men, I say, whose vehement devotion who while they pray, still manage to extort, who know how to make zeal and vices mix; vengeful, quick-tempered, faithless, full of tricks; and, when they want to ruin someone, make it seem they do it all for Heaven's sake; most dangerous in that their bitter hate makes use of weapons that we venerate, seeks to destroy us in holy cause. Though far too many fakers meet our eyes, true piety's not hard to recognize.” (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 359-382).

Even with this statement being made, Orgon did not take heed to anything that was being said. He was in a state of denial just like the people in our society. I guess something we believed for so long to be true and dear to our heart. It's hard to let go. But if we continue to live this way there will be someone who comes along who will deceive us time and time again until we wake up.

Point of view is another example of religious hypocrisy in this play. This whole play was based on one man's perception. Orgon was the master of the house so his word was final. I think Tartuffe plan of attack was very successful. He wasn't able to deceive the people around Orgon but since he was able to control the master. Tartuffe basically had all the power in his palm. He was so successful in his plan that he was able to manipulate Orgon's point of view, “I know what lies behind this wicked smear; you all hate him. Why, just today I've seen my wife, children, and servants vent their spleen. I'm shocked to see how brazenly you plan to separate me from this pious man. The more you try to drive Tartuffe away, the harder I shall strive to make him stay; and soon he'll have my daughter as his bride, just to confound my family and its pride.” (Act 3, Scene 7, Lines 1118-1126). Our perception is a powerful tool if were not careful it can destroy us.

Tartuffe is not just a character he is so much more. He represents the type of person who cheats and lies there way through life to satisfy their needs while using a mask of some type good. Whether it is religion, government or authority, “men like us burn with a hidden fire; the secrecy we offer is entire: the care we take our own good name guarantees our beloved against shame; accept our hearts, and you will find, my dear, love without scandal, pleasure without fear.” (Act 3, Scene 5, Lines 995-1000). Tartuffe deceiving Orgon to get to his wife Elmire to satisfy his lust is an example of this. Just like a police officer involved in organized crime or a politician who tells the people they are a person of God but really are an alcoholic, gambler and thief who steals tax payer's money. Tartuffe represents the garbage that pollutes our society and if we don't clean up our act there won't be a world left to live in.

Hypocrisy will never end especially religious hypocrisy. Religion is like a market exploited by politicians and churches using fear as a weapon to solidify their commands and ideas whether wrong or right. There is an imaginary line between religion and evil like there's an imaginary line between church and state. Moliere pokes fun at the human follies and creatively justifies the characters within the play because they are a reflection of the society he once lived in and the society we live in today.

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Letter to the Author

Dear Moliere,

The play Tartuffe was one of the greatest plays I have ever read in my life. To me this play is about religious hypocrisy. It's so much conflict, emotions and struggle incorporated in this play it's hard for one not to like it. One particular thing I liked about the play was the rhyme scheme. I feel it gave the play a light hearted tone that made it fun and enjoyable. For example when Orgon said, “He's a man …who…a man…in short, a man. Follow him: you will be serene, secure, and look on everyone as just manure. He guides me on new paths in new directions, Trains me to mortify all my affections, and liberates my soul from every tie. My brother, children, mother, wife could die, And I could see it without that much pain.” This was very serious and troubling statement made by Orgon but since it was in that structure it made it funny. Your play has such a beautiful rhythm. I was wondering how long did it take to write this play? It's extraordinary how the play voices such themes and subjects poking fun at society and rhyme at the same time. I wouldn't change a thing about this play because it has made a real impact on me. I think the play overall reflects society even today. I feel like the President is Tartuffe and he has cast a spell over Middle America through his religious mask. While people are awed by his morals they don't see all the terrible things that are the result of his careless actions. But hey that's just me.

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Creative Writing

Think about a society where religion is best,

Your façade is pious but theirs a black hole in your chest.

Picture a man named Orgon, strong but naïve,

Pays homage to a hypocrite and call his sahib.

Now everyone around him sees past Tartuffe,

Blind Orgon and Madam Pernelle's mind went aloof.

In there world the most religious are most evil,

People who are humble are the most righteous but they don't believe you.

How could a man stand tall with evil flaws and all?

And not be condemned by the force of the law.

How can you confuse devout pretense with piety?

I guess its morals and their messed up society.

The wise words of Cleante just stay and linger,

Hypocrites will smile in your face turn around and give you the finger.

But hey, what would I know about Heaven bliss,

One thing life has taught me is this,

The most powerful weapon is your mind not your fist.

It aches my heart, when I don't see smart people doing their part.

It's really like hot pursuit in the dark, the effect is blindness,

The strong is mindless, it creates more victims,

For Tartuffe to just go get them, and if at most,

We continue to boast, we will still be divided by coast to coast,

When looking abroad so many are flawed,

Let's keep thinking for our selves and remain in charge.

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Tartuffe Literary Connection

In Tartuffe written by Moliere a character by the name of Cleante has very similar traits to that of a character in The Count of Monte Cristo written by Alexandre Dumas. The character of which I'm referring to is Abbe Faria. Cleante who was very smart tried to share his knowledge with others in the hope they would gain some common sense and use it to the best of there ability. Like Abbe Faria he taught Edmond Dantes many things in order to build his character both were wise men that saw the world for what it was and tried to help other people to see it too.

A similar nexus I noticed between the two literary works is that of religion. Both works had a strong belief in God. In The Count of Monte Cristo, Abbe Faria who was a priest believed that God was on his side and that God's work was shown through everything, “You recognize around you only those whose positions have been assigned to them by some minister or king, you are unable to see those men whom God has placed above kings and ministers by giving them a mission to fulfill, rather than a position to occupy.” Cleante who also believed in God and showed great admiration for people who were truly pious and in his words the people who “leave to other all the lofty speech, while they do is practice what they preach.” (Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 393-394)

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Tartuffe Literature Logs

Act 1, scene 1&2

As the first scene unfolds in the salon of Orgon's house in Paris and the reader gazes upon the words of the play we notice a very out spoken elderly women. This woman who name is Madame Pernelle is the mother of Orgon who is very crucial to the play. She voices her opinions about Orgon's wife Elmire calling her very ostentatious in her clothing decision making. Bringing to attention Orgon's son Damis is a fool and his daughter Mariane is a naïve little girl. Madam Pernelle also states Mariane's maid Dorine is a loud mouth and Elmire's brother Cleante has very inhuman ideas about life, "You preach a way of life to everyone That decent people really ought to shun. I guess that's pretty frank, but that's my way: When I feel strongly, I must have my say." But this is all but a mere proportion of conflict compared to that of the topic about Tartuffe. It seems that Madame Pernelle has fallen victim to the façade of Tartuffe, "What a fuss over nothing! What a blast! And what a spell her dear Tartuffe has cast!" (Tartuffe ,Act 1, scene 2, lines 177-179) This blindness has not only affected her judgment but has poisoned the demeanor of her son Orgon and ultimately separated her from the rest of her family and the people around her. For she only sees the righteousness and sanctimonious of Tartuffe while the people around her see Tartuffe for what he really is, a hypocrite.

I felt scene one and two of act one in Tartuffe was very interesting. As we saw the characters express there true sides the more conflict was created. I also enjoyed how the dialog rhymed. Seeing how Madam Pernelle holds Tartuffe so dear I can only feel some point in the play he is really going to screw her over and then she will see Tartuffe for what he really is.

Act 1 Scene 3, 4 & 5

In scene three, four and five of act one. We finally get a chance to judge the character of the infamous Tartuffe. Let's not forget the extremely gullible Orgon and his scary perception of life. The play gets real interesting in scene four where Dorine is telling Orgon that his mother was in very poor health and all he seems to do is take pity on the free loading Tartuffe who was in very good health. Orgon who holds Tartuffe on such a high pedestal would rather see his own flesh and blood die than his precious Tartuffe, “He guides me on new paths in new directions…And liberates my soul from every tie. My brother, children, mother, wife could die, And I could see it without that much pain.” (Tartuffe, Act one, Scene five, lines 275-279). Cleante sees this madness and confusion in Orgon and tries to reconcile what little means of reality he has left. But even in his candor the simplistic Orgon and his resolute attitude towards Tartuffe could not be changed. After realizing this, Cleante changed the topic and brought up the promise Orgon made to Valere for his daughter's hand and marriage but even in that conversation Orgon gave an ominous impression for Valere and Cleante finally said adieu to Orgon.

After reading about Tartuffe's behavior I have finally seen for my self that he is a hypocrite. Orgon so naïve he doesn't even realize Tartuffe is pining after his own wife, “I see him…take Great interest in my wife, all fore my sake; He warns me when men ogle her on the sly, And acts far jealouser of her than I.” (Tartuffe, Act one, scene five, lines 302-304). He goes to such lengths to prove that he's pure and religious but true religious people don't make atrocities. They choose to believe and behave in this manner because of the goodness in their heart and in their faith of God. Not by seeking a way to heaven by temporal promotion and surreptitious deceitfulness. Instead of criticizing and degrading people they practice what they preach. If Orgon doesn't wake up and realize he's being taken for ride I fear Tartuffe will put him in a situation that he won't be able to get out of.

Act 2, Scene 1,2,3,4

Act two begins with Orgon and his daughter Mariane discussing marriage plans. Supposedly, Mariane was going to marry Valere all she needed was Orgon's blessing. But Orgon had a different plan in mind, “I mean to bring Tartuffe into this family, under this roof. He is to be your husband; that I swear” (Tartuffe, Act two, scene one, lines 454-456) when I first seen this idea forming at the end of act one I wasn't sure if Tartuffe put Orgon up to it or if Orgon thought of this plan all by himself but after reading what Orgon said it is clear to me now. In scene two Dorine does every thing in her power to try to persuade Orgon from the idea of Tartuffe and his daughter getting married but alas her efforts were fruitless. From Orgon's perspective her attempts at trying to persuade him were getting extremely annoying, “That pest will make me lose my temper yet; I'd best dismiss her, to avoid that sin. I can't go further in the state I'm in. Her insolence has vexed me so, I swear, I'd better go and get a breath of air.” (Tartuffe, Act two, scene two, lines 580-585).

In scene three I got give a lot of credit to Dorine because she observed Mariane not voicing her opinion about Tartuffe to Orgon. So Dorine in a mockery tone described the wonderful life Tartuffe and she would have if they were to get married, “Your soul will know eternal bliss, Wedded to such a handsome man as this!” (Tartuffe, Act two, scene three, lines 649-650). This display of tone started to draw a passion out of Mariane that was needed if she wanted to deify her father. In scene four we get to meet the young Valere. Uncertain of current events he confronts Mariane telling her there is a rumor floating around that she was to marry Tartuffe. But to his dismay it was true and when she told him it was her father's doing and Valere asked how she felt about it, Mariane told him she didn't know. Torn up inside Valere put on a brave act and told Mariane it was fine. From that point they got into this heated discussion and decided to part ways. However, Dorine observing the foolishness out of the two got them to back together to reconcile there relationship, “Suppose we just postpone this little feud, and try to block this marriage if we can.” (Tartuffe, Act two, scene four, lines 792-793). After realizing nothing can come between them they began to plan a way for Mariane to get out of this crazy marriage to Tartuffe.

I felt act two was entertaining. All the obstacles all the people around Orgon have to go through because of the crazy ideas he conjures. I'm very excited to see how this situation turns out between Mariane and Valere. I hope they do get married. But I predict Orgon won't get his way and his daughter will not commit suicide, “If this cruel torture is what lies ahead, I'll kill myself; I'd far rather be dead.” (Tartuffe, Act two, scene 3, lines 681-682).

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Tartuffe Analysis

People as well as characters in a story have certain traits that dictate the type of person they are. In Tartuffe written by Moliere, Tartuffe is very complex character with many awful traits. Throughout the play Tartuffe was deceitful, self centered and greedy. These characteristics has not only made him an important character but has made a huge impact on the play.

It is no surprise that Tartuffe is nothing short of hypocrite, “I think it's scandalous, a real disgrace, to see this stranger seize the master's place. When he came here, for shoes, he hadn't any, and all his clothes were hardly worth a penny. And now this beggar's acting like a king, wanting to be obeyed in everything.” But through out the play Tartuffe has done nothing better than deceive Orgon, “No, you shall see her; I defy them all. To drive them crazy is my main delight, and you shall be with her in all men's sight. Nor is that all; to spite them through and through, I want to have no other heir than you; and legally I don't intend to wait I'll see that you inherit my estate. A good true friend, my son-in-law-to-be, is dearer than my son, wife, kin to me.” (Act 3, Scene 7, Lines 1172-1180). From his big shows at church to his denouncing of anybody he crosses that he thinks is not holy. Tartuffe's means of achieving things in life are through deception.

Tartuffe is a very self centered man and has no apathy for people around him. He only cares for his needs and will do anything to satisfy them. Even if that means satisfying his hunger while Madam Pernelle suffers from a fever, “Then she had no appetite, and therefore couldn't eat a thing that night. Her headache still was just too much to bear…Piously, with her there, he ate a brace of partridge like a flash, then half a leg of mutton in a hash.” (Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 236-240).

Tartuffe was even willing to satisfying his needs at the cost of Orgon kicking his only son Damis out of the house, “Even supposing Damis is to blame and that he's falsely slandered your good name, shouldn't a Christian pardon the offense and rid his heart of all malevolence? For all your quarrel, should you stand aloof and see a son denied his father's roof? I tell you once again that what you've done, frankly, seems scandalous to everyone; if you'll take my advice, you'll work for peace, and stop carrying on against Damis.” (Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 1191-1200).

Nothing shows more in Tartuffe's motives than greed. Even when Tartuffe was at his lowest and the gig was up. His greed could not help but rear its ugly head. He wanted to take everything Orgon owned to satisfy his revenge, “You are the one to leave, despite your tone: this house is mine, and I will make it known, and to show you that you have recourse in vain to these low tricks, thinking to cause me pain, that to insult me thus is most unwise, that I can both expose and punish lies, avenge offended Heaven, and bring low anyone here who wants to make me go.” (Act 4, Scene 8, Lines 1558-1564). His greed was the motive behind many things in the play but the outcome of this was his own fault and he got what he deserved.

Tartuffe tried to take advantage of anyone in his path. But his deceitfulness and greed has only made him a bitter person. The sad thing is, in our world today there are many people like Tartuffe who don't get to see the darkness of the criminal justice system. I think in the end he tried to be so vicious that his motives became transparent that in partial with the King's perceptiveness and he was finally subdued.

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Illustration

Bibliography

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