Assignment for Monday September 12th

As one looks into the  depths of the relationship between Tartuffe and Orgon, it becomes apparent that one of the characters is wealthy and gullible, while the other appears to be conniving and manipulative. Orgon, a wealthy figure, is extremely vulnerable. He notices one act of modesty from a peasant, by the name of Tartuffe and is immediately left in awe.He is extremely convinced of how holy this man is, that he believed heaven spoke to him and said, “Just bring him home with you.” Ironically, he breaks a vow to wed his daughter to this old, impoverished man. This sudden change in thought in itself proves to be an unholy act. Considering vows and promises are to be  kept and acted upon. Another instance that shows how Tartuffe’s influence has changed Orgon for the worst is when he returns home and is told about the health of his wife. His first question is how Tartuffe is feeling. And when told about Tartuffe’s well condition, he responds, “Poor Man.” Almost as to express his infatuation for Tartuffe overcompensates his duty and obligation to his wife. The first two scenes do not accentuate Tartuffe’s impression of Orgon, but it could be implied that he’s smirking and rejoicing of how easy it was to bewitch a man who fails to use fair judgement and reason.It’s such a pity for Orgon to take this man’s fallen state and say, “What my special tasks has come to be: To end the embarrassment he feels and the sorrow he so nobly conceals.” However, what he fails to acknowledge is Tartuffe’s alternative reasons. Those of which are unclear to the reader as of yet, but align along the lines of upward social mobility. Overall, the relationship between the two can be depicted as parasitism, in which Tartuffe is feeding off of all that lies dear to Orgon and what riches he has amassed or been blessed with.

2 thoughts on “Assignment for Monday September 12th

  1. Zakari,
    You make the good point here that in his devotion to the supposedly pious Tartuffe, Orgon actually ends up behaving in decidedly un-pious ways – breaking his promise to Mariane and Valere and neglecting his wife. You describe Orgon as being “vulnerable.” What do you have in mind? Why would he be particularly susceptible to Tartuffe’s scheming?
    Nice work.
    JS

  2. Maybe the better term is “naive.” In regards to Orgon’s definition of what makes one “holy.” He’s probably susceptible because his insecure of his own sacredness. So one act of kindness prompted him to assume, Tartuffe is some sort of angel from above set to guide him on the straight path.

Leave a Reply