Tartuffe is a classic play written by the French playwright Molière in the 17th century. The play centers around the character of Tartuffe, a religious hypocrite who insinuates himself into the household of the wealthy merchant Orgon and attempts to swindle him and his family out of their fortune. Despite its comedic tone, the play is a biting satire of religious hypocrisy and the dangers of blindly following authority.
There are many interesting topics that could be explored in an essay about Tartuffe. Here are a few ideas:
The portrayal of religion in Tartuffe: The character of Tartuffe is a clear critique of religious hypocrisy, as he uses his religious persona to manipulate and deceive those around him. However, the play also satirizes the blind faith and gullibility of Orgon and other characters who are easily swayed by Tartuffe's false piety. An essay could explore how Molière uses the character of Tartuffe to comment on the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of critical thinking.
The themes of power and manipulation in Tartuffe: Tartuffe is a master manipulator who uses his charm and religious authority to gain power and control over Orgon and his household. An essay could examine the various tactics Tartuffe uses to manipulate the other characters and how he is able to maintain his hold over them. Additionally, the play also explores the theme of power dynamics within the household and how Tartuffe is able to manipulate the family members against each other.
The portrayal of gender roles in Tartuffe: Molière's play features a number of strong female characters, including Orgon's wife Elmire and daughter Mariane, who actively resist Tartuffe's advances and attempt to expose his true nature. An essay could explore how these characters challenge traditional gender roles and how they use their intelligence and wit to outmaneuver Tartuffe.
The role of irony in Tartuffe: Molière employs a great deal of irony in Tartuffe, as the characters who are supposed to be the most virtuous (Tartuffe and Orgon) are actually the most corrupt, while the characters who are initially presented as frivolous or shallow (Elmire and Mariane) are ultimately revealed to be the wisest and most moral. An essay could examine how Molière uses irony to subvert expectations and comment on the nature of morality.
Overall, Tartuffe is a rich and complex play that offers a wealth of material for critical analysis. Whether you choose to focus on the portrayal of religion, the themes of power and manipulation, the portrayal of gender roles, or the use of irony, there are many interesting angles to approach in an essay on Tartuffe.
Tartuffe Essay Questions
Both the playwright and the king perfectly understood the importance of art for propaganda. All of Orgon's relatives warn him of Tartuffe's gluttony and of the false nature of his pious proclamations. Jean-Baptiste Poquelin is 17th-century French playwright, creator of classic comedy, gaining popularity under the pseudonym Molière. Besides, the need to constantly update the repertoire made Moliere begin to compose plays on his own. In the finale, even the king appears. Dorine and Elmire stands for the real alternative to the traditional gender roles as they become the real protagonists in the story. Tartuffe plays the role of a man whose greedy actions are cloaked by a mask of overwhelming piety, modesty and religious fervor.
Peer pressure is difficult to overcome. However, one can also interpret Tartuffe's success as a comment on the effectiveness of religious flamboyance. By the time the titular character enters, the audience is well aware that he is a scheming hypocrite whose every word is to be doubted. But I guess ultimately I am the one who will have to live with the consequences of my actions. Their zeal isn't excessive, and it never seems The interests of God have pushed them to extremes. I insisted that she tell me what to do, but she held fast and offered no answer. When Dorine tries to tell Orgon about Elmire's illness, all Orgon can say is, "Ah.
The Relevance Of Tartuffe By Moliere For Modern Day Audiences: [Essay Example], 1631 words GradesFixer
Many who leave their church in modern America are outraged at the behavior of the head of their church or other important figures in the ministry, and that is one of the major factors that drive attendants away. People in Paris were interested in Enlightenment values such as rationality, moderation, and order. The neoclassical dramatists in France included Pierre Corneille, Jean Racine, and Moliere. Art within the framework of the absolutist monarchy was, to a large extent, a state affair of glorifying unlimited royal power, reflecting the ideals of absolutism. Overall, Moliere seems steeped in his era's view of women while being willing to consider other perspectives as well. Moliere, Jean Baptiste Poquelin. In the end, the audience sees Orgon as remorseful for foolishly placing his trust in Tartuffe; he is also angry.
Analysis Of The Main Ideas In The Play Tartuffe By Molière: [Essay Example], 632 words GradesFixer
Dorine is an audience and reader favorite. However, it is not the most academically educated characters that disabuse the householder of his… Orgon does not fully understand how false Tartuffe is, hoping that by buying Tartuffe's favor he can both buy his way to heaven and buy social cache as a religious man of wisdom and intellect. Discusses the possibility of a homosexual relationship between Tartuffe and Orgon; also discusses why Dorine can speak so freely to her master. Am I ready to do that? Next Section Test Yourself! Moliere demonstrates all of these Enlightenment values in his play. Discuss the use of comedy in the dialogue and scenery of the play. My best friend Melissa, like Dorine, can see my side of the story and agrees that I should follow my heart.
Such corrupted religious leaders can cause public scandals, as is the case with several different important figures in the Catholic Church, but it is not exclusive to the Catholic Church. He performed in art an extremely important function for his time strengthened respect for the royal power through the theater, which was then the most important of the arts. Marriane, on the other hand, is soft spoken, demure, and dull. What actions and scenery in the play are comedic? In the end, it is Elmire who unmasks Tartuffe for what he truly is, using Tartuffe's lust for her in order to prove his hypocrisy to her husband Orgon. Particularly in the scenes with Elmire, the audience enjoys two levels of dramatic irony - the level of delusion reflected in Tartuffe's insistence on a pious facade, and the impending discovery of the eavesdropper. Tartuffe who was once facing financial difficulty was taken in by Orgon. The setting is in a large bourgeois house in Paris; none of the action takes place outside of it.
Orgon, meanwhile, staunchly defends his guest as a man of rare piety and probity, a truly religious individual from whom the others could learn much if only they would follow his example. I am pleased to say that I did not give into peer pressure and Yes, I am the designated driver. All of these historical details are implicitly reflected in the danger Orgon causes his family by trying to mix his social status with his faith by inviting Tartuffe in. Fraud and his sort have to control just when standard subjects obstinately surrender their capacity to have an independent perspective. Works Cited Kasparek, Erry Lewis. My roommate was into marijuana and tried to convince me that a joint would enhance my outlook and I would begin to relax.
Free Tartuffe Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on GraduateWay
My mom and stepdad see things differently. The image of Tartuffe reveals a great social phenomenon. Philinte serves the important purpose of balancing honesty and deceit by adopting a middle path, which is both sensible and…. Holding back the physical appearance of Tartuffe in the play allows other players to exaggerate when describing him and to play to the prejudices of the gallery as far as what such a religious man would be like. Still, Marianne is the most conventional female figure in the play. He is a good friend and can be trusted with confidences. The second date is today's date — the date you are citing the material.
Louis, Lully, and Moliere all collaborated in assisting France in experiencing a process of enlightenment, as the country changed most of its policies during the seventeenth century with the purpose of having these three men and the rest of the country's people exploit its ability to host the concept of art. Even if couples fall in love, the political forces behind the scenes inhibit the love. In this case, the uneducated servant is far more intelligent and clever than her master, who even seems callously indifferent to the illness of his wife. When I read this part of the play it was like I was reading a page from my own life. Damis is immature and brash, unwisely interfering in situations and unable to control his youthful rage.
Molière obviously comprehended the threats of false devotion. Nothing has ever made me feel more uncomfortable or scared in my entire life. Instead, Moliere created the character of Cleante, who demonstrates both reason and religion. When Damis tells Orgon that he has overheard Tartuffe's advances towards Elmire, Orgon is so outraged that he disinherits Damis and banishes him from the house. This sexual harassment was seduction at its worst.
