The Strength Of Women In Molière's Tartuffe

In the instance of 17th century women, the words demure and subordinate may come to mind. During this time, the men held political and economic power while the women were expected to be subservient and stay in the background. To speak against a man could prove to be a great challenge in a time where men control your whole life. However, in Molière’s Tartuffe, he shows that women were capable of reason just like men, if not better at times. One of the women that showed considerable amounts of strength throughout the story was the wife, Elmire. Elmire was not only strong, but intelligent and fair as well. Elmire’s strength becomes evident within moments of starting the play. As Madame Pernelle, her mother-in-law, storms out of the house, Elmire

After Tartuffe made his intentions known to Elmire, she was going to let it remain hidden as long as Tartuffe agreed to decline the marriage with Mariane. Unfortunately, Damis happened to witness the encounter, and told his father; of course Orgon did not believe him as he was completely enamored with the man. This led to Damis being kicked out of the house and the marriage between Tartuffe and Mariane intact. Eventually enough became enough and Elmire boldly addressed her husband, “And now, I wonder, have you lost your mind? Your love for this one man has made you blind. Can you stand there and say you don’t believe a word we’ve said? That we’re here to deceive?” (4.3 42-45) In this quote, Elmire has become fed up with Orgon’s stupidity and attempts to bring light to his errors; pointing out to him that he is too infatuated with Tartuffe to see the evil man he really is. She then continues by showing Orgon that it has gone too far if he cannot even believe his own wife or family when they have repeatedly tried to show him the truth. Having the ability to stand up to her husband like this and point out his flaws would require a strong mindset. Weaker women would have remained quiet and submitted to her husband without hesitation. Elmire was strong enough to stand up for what she knew was right; even if that required her to insult her husband a little bit she went through with it to the

She does not wish harm to come to anyone even if they deserve it, like Tartuffe. After Damis comes out of hiding and states that he is going to go tell Orgon of Tartuffe’s treachery, Elmire, being the voice of rationality, tries to talk him out of it. She explains, “Damis, there is a lesson to be learned, and there is my forgiveness to be earned. I promised him. Don’t make me take it back. It’s not my nature to see as an attack such foolishness as this, or see the need to tell my husband of the trivial deed.” (3.4 10-15) In this quote, Elmire is trying to persuade Damis to calm down and think for a moment; if she felt attacked, then she would have gone to her husband. Something that stands out is, “there is a lesson to be learned, and my forgiveness to be earned.” (3.4 10-11) She is willing to let it slide this time for the purpose of Tartuffe perhaps learning from his mistakes, and working to earn Elmire’s forgiveness. This shows her nature as fair and slow to judgement. She does not necessarily want to ruin Tartuffe; she just wants to help her family. Even if she has to deal with some terrible hypocrite practically slobbering on her, she will deal with it in order to help her family to the best of her