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Moliere's tartuffe summary
Moliere tartuffe sparknotes
Moliere tartuffe sparknotes
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The Flawed Characters of Tartuffe To be perfect is to be inhuman. Human nature is complete with many flaws and imperfections, one of which is represented in the play "Tartuffe", by Moliere. “Tartuffe” was written specifically to show the reader a basic flaw in human nature. This flaw is shown through two characters, Madame Pernelle and Orgon. These two are blind to the truth concerning Tartuffe and fall victim to his wiles. The fact that these two are too weak to see the truth is a basic human flaw as well as a major theme of the play, represented through their flawed characters. If anything, Madame Pernelle and Orgon are incredibly gullible. One author suggests that this gullibility is a shared family trait, stating that “his mother shares his capacity for self-delusion even after Tartuffe has been found out (we cannot always judge by what we see)” (Weals). Orgon foolishly believes that Tartuffe is a man of God, and, because of this, he should put everything he has into Tartuffe's hands. He proves how much he believes this after Damis tells him that Tartuffe was flirting with Elmire. From this accusation Orgon replies to Damis: "I disinherit you; an empty purse / Is all you'll get from me - except my curse!" (III, vii , 68). Madame Pernelle shows the family trait that she shares with her son when she states: "He's a fine man, and should be listened to."(I, i ,44), while speaking of Tartuffe. Although they share this trait throughout the play, Orgon's eyes are finally opened at the end of the play while his mother is still held by the farce of Tartuffe. Although Tartuffe is portrayed as the main character of the play, Orgon is the character who should really be paid attention to the most. As suggested in an essay on "Tartuffe" audiences who concentrate on the character who titles the work may miss the author's point: "...vitriol and spleen vented on one man suggests that Moliere's satire of Orgon, nevermind Tartuffe, was steeped in truth." (Smaje). Orgon is the character who represents the weakness in human nature. This weakness is shown throughout the play. Orgon is so willing to entrust everything he has into the care of Tartuffe. He places Tartuffe above the well being of his family. When he returns from his trip and asks Cleante how the household was while he was gone, Cleante tells him that his wife had been very sick.
Although Tartuffe is portrayed as the main character of the play, Orgon is the character who should really be paid attention to the most. As suggested in an essay on "Tartuffe" audiences who concentrate on the character who titles the work may miss the author's point: ".vitriol and spleen vented on one man suggests that Moliere's satire of Orgon, nevermind Tartuffe, was steeped in truth. " Smaje. Orgon is the character who represents the weakness of human nature.
Candide is a good-hearted but hopelessly naïve young man in Moliere’s Candide. After being banished he travels around meeting many different people while he is following the women he loves. Orgon believes Tartuffe is this excellent
Orgon and candide were two major characters from different books that were devoted to Tartuffe and pangloss respectively. Orgon was a man that followed Tartuffe blindly and candide was a devoted student of pangloss. Orgon and Tartuffe both depended on Tartuffe and pangloss to the point of folly.
He was described as “a good man, and a man that should be listened to.” Madame Pernelle also stated, “And whatever he controls is well controlled. He would fain show you the way to Heaven; and my son ought to make you all love him” (Molière 2). Everyone else in the family does not agree with them and believe that Tartuffe is indeed a hypocrite. After Orgon gives Tartuffe his property because he is under the assumption that he would soon be his son-in law; the family is determined to prove Orgon and his mom wrong. When Damis tries to tell his father about Tartufee, he turns Orgon against his son by saying, “You had much better believe what he tells you” (Molière 29). Orgon then threatens to break Damis bones. When Orgon sees the wronging of Tartuffe with his own eyes, he realizes exactly what his family was trying to tell him. Orgon tells Tartuffe finally, “I was a long while in doubt whether all was in good earnest; but this is pushing the proof far enough” (Molière 41). I also received the interpretation from reading the play that Tartuffe, Madame Pernelle, and Orgon each showed hypocrisy throughout the play because they claimed to have certain standards and beliefs but seemed to show
“Tartuffe”, written during that time, casts a shadow on religious virtue and religious hypocrisy. Moliere introduces several characters that display a strong sense of reason to overcome irrationality and at the end of the story, he presents the King, which signifies a restore to aristocracy. Most notably, Cleante (Orgon’s brother in law) who highly demonstrates both reason and religion while explaining to Orgon that men like Tartuffe are “not so rare” in their display of virtue and that there might be other motives. Cleante tells Orgon that he has been a victim of deception, and has been confused “hypocrisy with deep devotion” (FIND QUOTE).... ...
Like the world in which we live in today each character in Moliere’s Tartuffe are blind to their own faults but easily see the faults in others. So much of what the world is about today, I think this is good inside Moliere puts in his drama just so we could see how we act too. Thankfully despite the weaknesses of the people he rescues, the omnipresent King figure, sees all, knows all, and carries out justice. The kind reveals their blindness, allowing each of the characters to grow through the experience. When a character in the play “Tartuffe” talks about seeing, they aren't talking about actually seeing, but understanding or believing. The problem in the story concerned with not seeing, which is what starts this sequence of events. Orgon refuses to see the fact that Tartuffe is a hypocrite and won't believe it until he sees it with his own eyes near the end of the play. To see how loyal Orgon is to Tartuffe, just look
Orgon, the king’s advisor and household head, loses his authority to a Tartuffe, a deceitful degenerate, showing that trust should not be placed in the hands of someone who is seemingly in control. Because Orgon pitied Tartuffe, he spends the majority of the play worshipping and concentrating on the comfort and wealth of the liar who resides in his house. Tartuffe successfully made himself appear extremely poor, helpless and needy, fooling both Orgon and Madame Pernelle. The true evidence of the pity and obsession Orgon feels for Tartuffe’s wellbeing lies in the fact that Orgon ends up neglecting his family; he favors the hypocrite above his family. As Orgon is blinded by Tartuffe, he not only removes Damis as his son and from his inheritance, but...
My first impression of Orgon was that he was heartless and did not care about his family. Dorine tried telling Orgon about how sick Madame Pernelle has been but he could have cared less. Any normal person would have been concerned for their mother but he was more concerned about how Tartuffe was doing. Part one, scene four, was the first time Orgon spoke and I was shocked at his response.
Before she could speak, Tartuffe pulls out a handkerchief for her to cover her breasts with. He says, “Cover that bosom, girl. The flesh is weak. And unclean thoughts are difficult to control. Such sights as that can undermine the soul” (1434). In other words, Tartuffe feels that Dorine is too exposed and having to look at her chest will distract him and cause him to have a strong sexual desire. That sexual desire then becomes present once Elmire comes to talk to him. Therefore, Tartuffe is guilty of the vice lust and disloyalty. As Elmire approaches Tartuffe, he instantly lavishes her with blessings and is ecstatic that he has alone time with her. He says, “It floods my heart with bliss to find myself alone with you like this. For just this chance I’ve prayed with all my power. But prayed in vain, until this happy hour” (1435). Tartuffe has been praying to get the chance to be alone with Elmire and now that he has gotten the chance he is experiencing great joy. He uses this alone time as an opportunity to seduce her. His lust has grown too strong which leads him to constantly touch Elmire. He goes from pressing her fingertips, placing his hand on her knee, to stroking her lace collar. Tartuffe then confesses his love for her while using the excuse that even though he is pious, he is still a human being (1437). This proves his disloyalty towards Orgon. Orgon has welcomed Tartuffe into his
Pernelle who is at the top of the social pyramid. While doing so, Dorine reveals the truth about Tartuffe. In the beginning of the play M. Pernelle characterizes each character by saying who they are and their flaws, on top of that Dorine attains this same power of voice when she states her opinion about Tartuffe. Dorine says, “it is a downright scandal to see a stranger exercise such authority in this house, to see a beggar who, when he came, had not a shoe to his foot, and whose whole dress may have been worth twopence”(273). Through dialogue between M. Pernelle, and Dorine, Dorine states her opinion about Tartuffe, characterizing him and giving an opinion M. Pernelle wouldn’t like to hear.
In Moliere's comedy, Tartuffe, the main focus of the play is not of Tartuffe, but of Orgon's blind infatuation with Tartuffe. It just so happens that the title character is the villain, rather than the hero. Orgon is Moliere's representation of how a man can be so blind in his devotion to a belief that he cannot make accurate judgment as to the sincerity of others who would use that belief to deceive him. Tartuffe easily achieves total power over Orgon's actions because of his gullibility. However, as the play progresses, Orgon's view of Tartuffe changes and results in Tartuffe's removal.
Tartuffe is a satirical comedic play written by Molière in 1664. It is focused around the family of Orgon and the character of Tartuffe, who has become Orgon’s personal holy man. Before being brought into Orgon’s home, Tartuffe was nothing more than a common beggar who learned how to act pious. Throughout this play, we see Orgon give everything he owns to Tartuffe: his love, his money, his daughter, and even the deed to his house. While everyone else in the household sees Tartuffe for who he really is, Orgon remains blind to it throughout most of the play. Orgon is warned many times by different members of the household, including his own son, yet he only chooses to lash out against those speaking. From early on in the play we as readers are able to recognize that Tartuffe is no more than a hypocrite and Orgon is a blind fool. In the play Tartuffe by Molière there are several different important themes that impact this work,
Orgon is deceived because he cannot or refuses to see Tartuffe for the con artist he is. Tartuffe is hugely successful for most of the play because he is so good at wearing a mask of piety to cover his deception. Orgon regards Tartuffe as his religious guide and is blind to the fact that Tartuffe is deceiving him.
In the beginning of the play, Orgon seems to be a sane man who is respected by his family and friends. As the play goes on, however, it becomes clearer how easily it is to deceive poor Orgon. Tartuffe particularly takes advantage of Orgon when he says, “Dear Son, do treat me as perfidious / Infamous, lost, a murderer, a thief, / Speak on, because my sins, beyond belief, / Can bring this shameful sinner to his knees, / In humble, paltry effort to appease.”
Not only does this play hold the theme of hypocrisy, but also along with hypocrisy it has a theme of the importance of having common sense and clear thinking to be able to live in a well-ordered society. Though it was a comical setting, the unraveling of Orgon’s life at Tartuffe’s expense allows the author to show that when an individual ignores common sense and becomes captivated with charming figures, the results are often tragic. Not only do these troubles have a negative impact on Orgon and his family, but also on society, because the dishonesty from one man leads chaos in everyone’s