Tartuffe Case

Moliere paints an image of the main character in the play Tartuffe, as deceiving and manipulative man. Moliere uses a unique way of introducing the character to the reader to help us learn more about this monstrous person. As we learn more about Tartuffe, it is clear to understand Moliere's idea of what he describes one of the functions of comedy.

The character of Tartuffe is introduced in the play until Act III. However, we are painted an image of the type of man he is when various of the characters bash his name at the very beginning of the play. Damis strongly puts forward his opinion about Tartuffe when he asks, "Good God! Do you expect me to submit To the tyranny of that carping hypocrite? Must we forgo all joys and satisfactions Because that bigot censures all our actions?" (Act I, scene 1, line 45) Through their thoughts and verbal saying, we can easily conclude that Tartuffe isn't a trust worthy believable man. We begin to understand the kind of man Tartuffe is when Dorine say's, "You see him as a saint. I'm far less awed; he's a fraud." (Act I, scene 1, line 69) Moliere's characters at the beginning of the play seem honest with their descriptions of Tartuffe, making the reader side with them to see Tartuffe as a lying and fake man. Moliere uses his characters to introduced Tartuffe without actually bringing the character in the play first. With that alone, we have an understanding and know what to expect from the character of Tartuffe. Later in the play, we learn that Tartuffe poses as this holy man only to deceive the ones around him. Tartuffe in reality has a filthy malicious mind. He wants to fulfill his own personal desires with no respect for his friends or God as he falsely acts. One of Moliere's main function of comedy is to correct man's vices. He portrays an image of Tartuffe as a hypocritical man. He does this not to criticize religion, but those who strongly show to have it in them. He exposes the weakness of a clergy and how he used the word of God to deceive those around him to make himself seem a holy man under God. Moliere uses the character of Tartuffe to expose what many people out there are probably guilty of as well. Whether it be going to church, going to charity events, feeding the homeless, or any good deed that one may do. Unlike Tartuffe, if a persons intentions are really true and sincere, one does not go around flaunting about them. Cleante says to Orgon, "Look at Oronte, Alcidamas, Clitandre, Their virtue is acknowledge; who could doubt it? But you won't ever hear them beat the drum about it." (Act I, scene 5, Line 128) This makes us better understand that if Tartuffe is sincerely holy as he makes himself out to be, he wouldn't need to prove himself to the rest or anyone. Moliere uses Tartuffe to open the eyes of readers and view such a character from the outside. Many people act one way on Sunday at church, but the minute