Tartuffe Case

Tartuffe

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Moliere was considered the father of French comedy. He was well educated and studied Latin, Law, and Greek at College de Clermont. Moliere also earned a law degree during his time there but never practiced it. Moliere wrote Tartuffe and it was first performed in 1664. Tartuffe was considered a comedy meaning that it was about the common person or family and ended in marriage, as did Tartuffe. The comedy had a cast of twelve characters and the main character Tartuffe was called the hypocrite. It was set in a middle class family and it was set during a time where the social standards were that the father Orgon was the head of the household and his word was written in stone. It didn't matter what actions the father took, he was always right and his word was obeyed by everyone including his wife. Many parts of the comedy were over the top or exaggerated to the point of almost unbelievable. Moliere's father was a furniture merchant so his social background growing up matches that of the family in Tartuffe. Orgon is so involved with religion at the time that he is blinded by the motives of Tartuffe who is portrayed as a man of God. Orgon brings Tartuffe into his home and even offers his daughter's hand in marriage to him. The daughter was in love with Valere, but to the wishes of the father agrees to the marriage. Elmire knows that something is wrong and sets the stage for the play as she tries to convince Orgon that Tartuffe is bad news. Tartuffe is trying to take over the property of Orgon in order to gain stature within the community. As the play comes to conclusion, Tartuffe is caught by Orgon who hears his motives while hiding under the table and eventually Tartuffe is arrested and Orgon's daughter is to wed Valere as intended. This makes Tartuffe fall into the category of Comedy.

Tartuffe allowed me to read into literature as I never had before. I felt pulled into the story at times, wanting to read more and more. It really opened my eyes to the idea that some of the older plays and literary works are full of farce and humor that attracts attention. Many point of this play can be adapted to even modern times. Teachings in the religious word show the mas as the head of the household and the other family member obedient to his word. It also feels that the even though there wasn't really a plot, the play seemed to be in conjunction with how our society works today. Someone is always trying to get something for nothing. There are a lot of con artists out there, to include hackers on the internet, identity thieves and imposters. Everyone is trying to be someone else. The same thing Tartuffe was trying to accomplish. The way Orgon is disapproving of Valere is common nature even today of many fathers.

This course has given me insight to other form of reading. It has taught me to not be judgmental of thoughts or