Tartuffe As a Social Type
Moliere created Tartuffe as a character that meant to depict one of the most widespread problems of the French society in 17th century – religious hypocrisy. The name Tartuffe translates as a liar from one of the French dialects. However, over the centuries this name became a common name for all kind of double-faced social types of behavior and hypocrisy. Catholic Church and Monarchy defined every level of French social structure in 17th century and as such Moliere’s Tartuffe is a person, who exaggeratedly using these strict morals and principles of religion in order to present himself as a “saint,” and thus, to manipulate his way in society.
Throughout the play Tartuffe has clearly defined characteristics. He has distinctly stated goals in his life. In the beginning of the play we are told that he started out as a starved “wretched pauper” (p.356), transforming himself throughout the play towards the last scenes, where he nearly reaches his goal and becomes “a lord and master” (p.359) of Orgon’s estate. It is undeniable, that Tartuffe is smart and very determined in his ambitions. But foremost, he possesses excellent psychoanalytical skills. He shows good knowledge and understanding of social structure and people’s character, which instantly helps him to identify weaknesses in others and how to manipulate them towards his own interest. The most obvious example is his relations with Orgon. Orgon is a wealthy patriarch, whose opinion is the only one that matters in the family. Therefore, Tartuffe’s first milestone goal is to be adored and highly praised by Orgon, despite other family members’ opinions.
Orgon’s life is determined by his religious beliefs. He looks at religion as a way to become a better human being. Thus, having such a “saint” as Tartuffe as a mentor brings Orgon to a whole new level of existence: “under his tutelage his soul’s been freed from earthy loves, and every human tie” (p.320). The rich patriarch unconditionally follows all of Tartuffe’s precepts, which leads Orgon to showering his “saint” with gifts, offering him his only daughter as a wife, assigning him his son’s inheritance and even letting Tartuffe be in an intimate proximity to his own wife. But Tartuffe doesn’t stop there. He plans his game a few steps ahead. Besides all the luxury he receives, Tartuffe also secures his positions by obtaining compromising information about Orgon. Tartuffe knows Orgon’s secret regarding a “certain strong-box,” that Orgon agreed to hide for his friend. By manipulating another trusty patriarch’s weakness, “vexed conscience” about the papers inside the box, Tartuffe effortlessly gets the compromising documents in his possession.
Still, another interesting Tartuffe’s characteristic is revealed in the last scene of the play, where he comes across as a chameleon. As it was mentioned in the beginning of this post, there were two ruling powers in French society: Church and Monarchy. Throughout the play Tartuffe hypocritically uses religion to achieve his goals. However, in the very end he takes 180-degree turn and becomes a devoted servant to the King and states, “that obligation is so paramount that other claims, besides it, do not count” (p.361).
Such well-portrayed Tartuffe’s social type, which was typical in 17th century, remains highly relevant in modern society. People continually hypocritically use religion and politics as armor in their lives. A vivid example of it would be such a debatable religious movement as Scientology, which often recognized as a cult and associated with money and power.
This is an excellent analysis Veronika. Very detailed and it addresses some of the major issues of the play, such as hypocrisy that exist in religion and using deceptiveness to fulfill one’s own needs.
Your character analyses were spot on. You made compelling points and even used quotes from the play to support your thesis.
I really liked your character analysis of Orgon, particularly the statement you made of “Orgon’s life is determined by his religious beliefs. He looks at religion as a way to become a better human being. Thus, having such a “saint” as Tartuffe as a mentor brings Orgon to a whole new level of existence”. I too have a similar opinion.
It is indicated that earlier in the play, Orgon was a sane man who was well respected by his family and friends. The question, therefore, arises as to why he has become such an absurd and ridiculous person, falling for Tartuffe’s deceptive behaviors. It is in my opinion that Orgon, who is presumably of a very mature age, feels the need to attach himself to some type of religious aspect and Tartuffe is the most readily accessible option. I presume that maybe Orgon must be reflecting on the way in which he had spent his life when he was younger and possible feels conscience stricken for some of his prior mistake. By attaching himself to Tartuffe who is a “saint” in his eyes will probably offer him some form moral condolences. Having once adopted a life of piety, Orgon tries to become the person he makes out Tartuffe to be and that is a possible reason for his absurd attraction towards Tartuffe.
However, in hindsight, when Orgon discovers the hypocrisy of Tartuffe, he reverses himself and determines to hate all pious men. What I derived from this is that Orgon appears to be a man of extravagant excesses who is not very logical in his way of thinking. Rather than trying to find balance, he fluctuates between extremes. He either really likes you or really hates you. This gives us a clear picture of Orgon’s irrational and gullible nature.
Another point you made that I agree with was; “People hypocritically use religion and politics as armor in their lives.” I believe that this is a very true and relevant statement. People often use religion in a negative and manipulative form to portray an illusion of piety, holiness and trustworthiness.
In conclusion, I would like to commend you on an excellent analysis. Great job!!
-Gavin
Great post, Veronica! I think it is very well structured and right to the point. I like how you characterized Tartuffe. I absolutely agree that he possesses excellent psychoanalytical skills. He is a very good manipulator and a con artist. I would even say that he is very charismatic, and charisma can be a dangerous thing sometimes. I feel like if it falls into wrong hands it could do no good like in the case of Tartuffe. He managed to fool Organ and almost left the entire family on the streets. Having a charisma is a good thing if it used to do good like in a case of Barack Obama or Bill Clinton. If it used in a right way it could help people. I also like how you talked about the significance of the religion in the play. As you said Organs life is determined by the religious beliefs. He looks at the religion as a way to become a better human being. I think back in those days many people were controlled by the church. Religion just like a charisma has two sides, a good one and a bad one. If it used to give people hope for the future and faith then it is a great thing. But if it used to control people then it is not. I believe that we all have a right to practice any religion we want; there is no right or wrong religion. It is all about what one believes in. You pointed out Scientology religion and I don’t want to judge by saying if it is a cult or not, I just want to say that we cant criticize ones belief. If Tom Cruise wants to be a Scientologist let him be because we dont know the reason why he practices that religion. Perhaps it makes feel happy and gives him hope, you never know. As there is a saying “Whatever floats your boat”.
Very good interpretation! I like that you incorporated facts from 17th century France. I too agree that Tartuffe was manipulative, but I disagree on him being very smart.. He might have lured Orgon and his mother, but he could not persuade the others and at the end of the play, it was his own undoing that got him caught. I believe Tartuffe stayed true to his religious lies throughout the play. At the end of the play, I feel he only used all the information he gathered about Orgon against Orgon himself which had nothing to do with whether or not Tartuffe was a devout religious person. I agree with your last paragraph. Alot of people hide behind religion like Tartuffe demonstrated. Overall, your assessment of Tartuffe’s character is similar to my own. I believe Tartuffe was an opportunistic con-artist. In order to get what he want, he was willing to take on different roles. He, without a doubt, manipulated Orgon, but his on flaw was over-looking the rest of the family. So, in the end, he got what he deserved!
Van Phillips ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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