We may never know what Tartuffe looked like – in its original form, that is. Copies of Molèire’s 1664 script were banned, burned, and lost to history after leaders of the Catholic church condemned the comedy as an attack on religion.
Was Tartuffe a priest?
Tartuffe is not a priest, but clearly is associated with Catholicism, which was the dominant religion in Europe at the time, the dominant religion in France, and a political force that bolstered the power of the French crown at the time as well.
How does Tartuffe seduce Elmire?
Tartuffe uses a religious argument as his first trick in his attempt to seduce Elmire. He flatters Elmire by telling her that her beauty is a work of God. He states that it would be a sin not to pine after someone as beautiful as Elmire.
What is the story of Tartuffe?
Tartuffe is a sanctimonious scoundrel who, professing extreme piety, is taken into the household of Orgon, a wealthy man. Under the guise of ministering to the family’s spiritual and moral needs, he almost destroys Orgon’s family. Elmire, Orgon’s wife, sees through Tartuffe’s wicked hypocrisy and exposes him.
Why was Tartuffe banned? – Related Questions
Who is the villain in Tartuffe?
Tartuffe, is the main antagonist in Moliere’s play Tartuffe, also known as The Imposter or The Hypocrite.
What is Tartuffe’s main character flaw?
As a religious ascetic, he convinces Orgon and Madame Pernelle that he is a devoutly pious and humble man; his obvious hypocrisy, however, is apparent to the audience. Tartuffe’s superiority lies in the fact that he can accurately analyze the weaknesses of his victims and then exploit these flaws for his own advantage.
Who is Tartuffe in love with?
Elmire, Orgon’s wife, arrives and Tartuffe, thinking that they are alone, makes some professions of love to Elmire and suggests that they become lovers.
Who did Tartuffe try to seduce?
Tartuffe tries to seduce Elmire, but she fends him off and agrees not to tell Orgon about his attempted seduction if Tartuffe promises to let Mariane marry Valere. Damis overhears everything and threatens to reveal Tartuffe’s hypocrisy.
Is Orgon in love with Tartuffe?
Orgon becomes infatuated with Tartuffe and invites him to move into his home. However, the other characters within the comedy see through to the real Tartuffe, who is a man using acts of deception and trickery to develop a relationship with Orgon, who gives him everything and remains a disciple to him.
What sins Tartuffe commit?
The most abominable part of Tartuffe is not only his laziness and greed but also his hypocrisy. In fact, the only use of religion for him is to enslave others. He uses tricks to force Damis move out of his own home and to get his wealth. Heaven is the excuse for why he commits this sin.
Why is Orgon so fooled by Tartuffe?
But due to being so devout and obsessed, Orgon almost sabotaged his family. The first reason that Tartuffe can easily manipulate Orgon is because of the obsession devotion of Orgon. He fell into the illusion of Tartuffe – a hypocrite, claiming to be a religious enthusiast and always proved to be pious.
What happens to Tartuffe in the end?
Tartuffe evicts the family, but as they begin to leave, a messenger from the king arrives. He arrests Tartuffe for his nefarious actions against Orgon. The king also invalidates the paperwork that gives Tartuffe Orgon’s home. This ending is pleasing not only for Orgon, but the audience as well.
What is the climax of Tartuffe?
The climax of Tartuffe occurs in Act Five. Tartuffe arrives at Orgon’s home, accompanied by an officer representing the king. For a moment, it appears as if Orgon will be arrested for treason, thanks to Tartuffe denouncing him as an enemy of the crown.
Is Tartuffe still relevant today?
Moliere’s play Tartuffe is still relevant today for a number of reasons. The subject matter of the play, like topics of generational disagreement and issues surrounding love relationships, are issues that are still relevant today. Also, the plays dealing with blind-faith transcends all cultures.
Is Tartuffe a girl?
In Molière’s play Tartuffe, the female role is represented in two ways.