Tartuffe by Moliѐre is one of the few readings that we have read so far that I consider to be a “Great Work.” The play demonstrates the power of a religious hypocrite, Tartuffe, who is able to control a wealthy family by displaying his confidence in religion to the central powers of the family. Essentially, Orgon, the father of the household, and Madame Pernelle, Orgon’s mother, become completely deluded by Tartuffe’s false claims in religion. Moliѐre created this play to be a “Great Work” by illustrating a specific character who is especially unique, Dorine, the maid to Mariane(Orgon’s daughter).
Contrary to belief, Dorine is a maid who is outspoken in the play. She is elucidated as a cunning manipulator and a central commentator of the play. Moliѐre introduces Dorine at the beginning of the play by formulating an argument against Madame Pernelle regarding Tartuffe. That first argument alone exposed Dorine’s character as a maid with an outspoken opinion, “He’s a disaster! To think this street bum now plays the master”(lines 69-70). For a maid in the 17th century to be perceived as a central provider in an argument among wealthy individuals delineates why this play can be considered a “Great Work.” Moliѐre is presenting to his audience in the 17th century that the lower class, in this case a maid, has a voice among the wealthy and powerful individuals at the time. Even when Dorine is attacked for her opinion by Madame Pernelle, “See? A servant with an opinion, You’re a former nanny, nothing more”(lines 14-15), she continues to give her opinion on Tartuffe to help to whom she serves, Mariane.
Essentially, Moliѐre created a comedic play that happens to be a “Great Work” for its underlying ability to provide to society, such as the lower class power. Tartuffe is a play that still provides conversation to society today between the conflict of the poor vs the wealthy. Therefore, for a play in the 17th century to be crucial to its own society and future societies makes it a “Great Work.”
