Analysis of The Characters Who Fell Victim to Tartuffe in Moliere’s Play

The French Neoclassical Era, a fascinating period in literature, has been a highlight of my studies this semester. My research into Tartuffe has led me to a deeper understanding of the themes of weakness and blindness, which played pivotal roles in the play. These flaws, inherent in human nature, are intriguing in how they allowed Tartuffe to manipulate and deceive those around him. In this essay, I aim to delve into the various characters in Tartuffe and examine how they succumbed to Tartuffe's manipulative tactics, shedding light on the relevance of these ideas in contemporary society.

The theme of human weakness in "Tartuffe"

Tartuffe's Deceit and Manipulation

Moliere, the brilliant playwright of the Neoclassical era, demonstrated his mastery of comedy in Tartuffe. The play's ability to captivate its audience can be attributed to its relatable portrayal of human imperfections. We all possess flaws, and witnessing them humorously portrayed on stage allows us to both laugh at our own shortcomings and contemplate them on a deeper level. Tartuffe, at his core, is a character driven by deceit and desire. "Tartuffe knows his new casuistry and has no fear of sin. He is pleased, too, to place his skills in this science at the service of his friends." His insatiable greed for wealth leads him to commit any sin necessary, ultimately becoming his downfall. While Tartuffe serves as the play's antagonist, this fact remains elusive to characters like Madam Pernell and Orgon. Tartuffe's proficiency at concealing his true identity is remarkable. Through his outward display of religious devotion, he successfully convinces Madam Pernell and Orgon of his virtuous and humble nature. However, they remain oblivious to Tartuffe's ability to discern their flaws and exploit them for his benefit. "Tartuffe 'is no more a simple swindler, a greedy and dishonest pleasure-seeker.'" He goes beyond being a mere hypocrite; he is a master manipulator who preys on the weaknesses of others. "For the real provocation lay not in the portrayal of Tartuffe the obvious hypocrite, but in that of Orgon the genuine believer." This quote underscores Orgon's astonishing blindness to Tartuffe's true character. Tartuffe meticulously crafts the façade of a simple man while astutely observing everything around him, using this knowledge to his advantage.

The concept of blindness

In the play, one prominent theme is the concept of blindness, which serves as a powerful metaphor. Orgon's blindness becomes a poignant illustration of how easily one can be deceived by another. It is particularly intriguing that Tartuffe manages to hoodwink the very man who possesses power and wealth, while Orgon's wife, Elmire, keenly discerns Tartuffe's hypocrisy. Elmire exhibits a pragmatic outlook on life and attempts tirelessly to open her husband's eyes to Tartuffe's deception. Damis, Orgon's son, finds himself shouldering the blame for his father's misguided trust. As he endeavors to reveal the truth to Orgon, his own father's confidence in him dwindles. Much like his mother, Damis strives to protect his family from Tartuffe's influence, but the price he pays is the loss of his inheritance.

Mariane, Orgon's daughter, becomes a pawn in Tartuffe's scheme, succumbing to weakness due to her tendency to acquiesce to her father's wishes. Orgon's blindness extends further when Tartuffe cunningly manipulates his way into Orgon's inheritance and subsequently betrays him. It is evident that the family meant nothing to Tartuffe; his sole motivation was personal gain, driven by insatiable greed. Orgon's blindness impedes his ability to prioritize his family's welfare, leading him to place undue trust in Tartuffe. This serves as an example of how the flaw of blindness can divert one's loyalty away from their own family towards a deceptive individual. Orgon's eventual awakening is facilitated by the very people he initially chose to ignore.

Flaws of human nature

The play masterfully highlights the imperfections and flaws inherent in human nature. Among these, weakness emerges as a recurring theme, personified through characters like Madame Pernelle and Orgon. These two individuals consistently fail to perceive the truth, repeatedly falling victim to Tartuffe's web of lies and deceit. Their weakness lies in their inability to recognize the glaring reality before them, mirroring a fundamental human flaw that permeates the play's narrative.

Furthermore, in addition to their blindness, both Madame Pernelle and Orgon exhibit a pronounced gullibility, despite their considerable power and wealth. This shared family trait underscores their susceptibility. Orgon, in particular, displays an unwavering faith in Tartuffe's piety, a testament to the significance of religious devotion in the era. Orgon's blind trust becomes evident when he chooses to entrust Tartuffe with his entire estate, disregarding warnings and evidence to the contrary. Damis's revelation that Tartuffe had flirted with Elmire only serves to intensify Orgon's unwavering belief in Tartuffe's righteousness, leading him to disinherit his own son. Madame Pernelle mirrors this family trait when she unequivocally praises Tartuffe, demonstrating her alarming obliviousness to his true nature, a choice that pits her against her own flesh and blood.

Orgon further showcases this shared family trait in his interactions with Cleante and Mariane. When Cleante provides an account of the household in Orgon's absence, Orgon's sole concern is Tartuffe's well-being. Similarly, when Mariane confesses her love for Valere, Orgon stubbornly insists on her abandoning Valere for Tartuffe's sake. Orgon's relentless faith in Tartuffe and his willingness to put everything he possesses at Tartuffe's disposal underscores his embodiment of weakness in human nature. While Tartuffe may be perceived as the central character, Orgon serves as a more intriguing focal point. His character serves as a prime example of how falsehoods and deception can cloud one's judgment. Orgon symbolizes the inherent weakness within human nature, as his eagerness to entrust Tartuffe with all he possesses highlights the depth of his naivety and gullibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the play "Tartuffe" by Moliere delves into the intricate theme of human weakness, vividly illustrating how vulnerability to deception and blindness to reality can lead to dire consequences. Through characters like Madame Pernelle and Orgon, we witness the stark portrayal of individuals who repeatedly fail to perceive the truth, falling prey to Tartuffe's artful manipulation and deceit.

Works Cited

1. Molière. (n.d.). Tartuffe; or, The Hypocrite. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2027
2. Miller, J. (2020). The Flaws of Human Nature in Molière’s "Tartuffe." Student Pulse, 12(09). https://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1882/the-flaws-of-human-nature-in-molieres-tartuffe
3. Molière. (n.d.). Tartuffe: Summary and Analysis. SparkNotes. https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/tartuffe/
4. Molière. (n.d.). Molière. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Moliere-French-actor-and-playwright
5. Sells, J. (2021). Molière’s Tartuffe: A Masterpiece of Satire and Social Commentary. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/molieres-tartuffe-4771560
6. International Journal of Humanities, Art and Social Studies. (n.d.). Themes of Weakness and Blindness in Moliere’s Tartuffe. https://ijhassnet.com/journals/ijhass/Vol_2_No_4_April_2019/2.pdf
7. Ozkaynak, Y. (2019). Moliere’s “Tartuffe”: A Play of Deception, Wit, and Social Commentary. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/39451582/MOLIERES_TARTUFFE_A_PLAY_OF_DECEPTION_WIT_AND_SOCIAL_COMMENTARY