Examples Of Deceit In Tartuffe

The term deceit is defined as an inclination or practice of misleading other people through lies or trickery. The word deceit has garnered a negative connotation in many people’s minds as it is commonly associated with ill intention and reserved for the antagonists of the story. However, the theme of deceit can take on a positive connotation because the authors can use deceit as a way to convey a critique of society during their time period. The author Molière, regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language, published a comedy stage play titled Tartuffe in 1664 during the reign of Louis XIV. Tartuffe was a significant work because it criticized religious fanaticism in French society by using a form of deceit called hypocrisy,

In the reading, Tartuffe is a con artist who uses religious hypocrisy as a deceit to trick Orgon and gain access to Orgon’s family and legal documents of the house. Tartuffe’s deceit is blatantly apparent to the readers and several characters in the story like Cleante, Dorine, and Elmire. In one particular scene, Orgon learns about Tartuffe’s deceit with the help of Elmire, stating “What an abominable man! I can’t believe it! I’m overwhelmed!” (Moliere 82). This scene is significant because Tartuffe represents religious hypocrisy by using his fake piety as a method to manipulate others as a way to achieve his devious goals. Moliere attacks this idea of religious hypocrisy because he views it as a danger to French society. In the journal article titled “Tartuffe, Religion, and Courtly Culture,” the Emanuel S. Chill explains how the character Tartuffe is based on a group of religious people in France called the Cabale des Devots” (156). The Cabale des Devots was a fundamental Catholic group that persecuted the Huguenots, the protestants, in France by depriving them of their rights, leading to the mass emigration. Furthermore, the historical event is mirrored in Tartuffe when Orgon and his family are nearly evicted from their house. Moliere uses this part of the story to reinforce his idea that religious fanaticism is dangerous by inserting

In the plot, Cleante is Orgon’s brother-in-law and his main characteristic is being the person who plays the voice of reason in the chaotic situation. To prove this, the journal article titled “The Explicator,” describes Cleante as having the “‘ability to see things clearly is reflected in his ironic comments to Tartuffe’” (Saur 10). Because of this characteristic, Cleante can be viewed as the character who channels Moliere’s thoughts regarding religion. In the journal article, Saur discusses the extent to which Cleante is a “‘mouthpiece of the author’” (9). Saur’s comment can be proven true with relative ease. For example, Cleante discusses with Orgon about Tartuffe, stating “I’m talking about those sanctimonious fellows who use religious zeal to fatten their bank accounts, who attach themselves to the Court while preaching austerity, who adjust their piety to fit their vices. (Moliere 18). In this excerpt, Cleante refers to Tartuffe as a deceptive person who manipulate others by using religion as an excuse. As discussed previously, Moliere makes reference to the real life counterpart, the Cabale des Devots, who uses Christianity as an excuse to carry out their devious plans. In addition, The author inserts himself indirectly into the story by utilizing Cleante as a way to address his opponents’ criticism.