Describe the character of Orgon. Why do you think he’s so vulnerable to Tartuffe?
Orgon is the head of the household in the family that the drama focuses upon. However, ironically Orgon doesn’t seem to have a legitimate authority since everyone in the family doubts him and Tartuffe. In fact, Orgon is basically a sheep being herded by Tartuffe since he goes to any length to please Tartuffe. Orgon’s relationship with Tartuffe is basically Moliere’s criticism of the relationship between the Monarchy and the Church in France during this period. The French Monarch seemed to take the advise of the Church more than his own subjects even though most of the Church’s advice come in conflict with the interest of the public. Orgon’s relationship with Tartuffe can be seen the same way. Orgon takes everything that Tartuffe says seriously. He tries his best to please Tartuffe believing that if he can please a “pious” man then God will be pleased with him. However, Tartuffe is a hypocrite. He is not a pious person nor is he religious. Everything that Tartuffe apparently preaches, he himself does the opposite which contradict his preaches. During this period, the catholic church of France had the same level of hypocrisy as Tartuffe, they paid less taxes, got more favor from the king and seemed to hold a lot of wealth even though the church preaches for modesty. Hence, Orgon is basically a blind king in his own family who is being controlled by the hypocrite Tartuffe.
