Dramatic Irony In Tartuffe

The play Tartuffe is one of the most dramatic and comic creations by Moliere. The level of writing and acting was taken to the next level in the seventeenth century by Moliere and the play itself marked a famous place in literature due to what history was taking place with religion. The play has unexpected twists and turns, with hilarious, astonishing dramatic irony shown in Act three with Elmire and Tartuffe. Before the ending, the audience and/or readers are lead to believe the play may end in tragedy, but Moliere surprises everyone by a delightful and happy ending. Tartuffe demonstrates the flaws in human nature as we know it today. One major flaw mankind repeatedly shows has been hypocrisy. Mankind is quick to point mistakes in others behaviors and actions, even though, they are at

Tartuffe begins Scene Three lusting over Orgon’s wife, Elmire in her very presence, trying to seduce her. Elmire refusing to fall under Tartuffe’s spell, he goes off on a speech declaring love for her, showing his true identity of not being a true holy man. (Nicholas 763.) Little do they know, Damis is hiding in the closet, listening to every word spoken by Tartuffe. Damis cannot believe his own mother will compromise with Tartuffe, in not telling Orgon about the attempted affair. Elmire’s intentions can be seen as good, since she is compromising for her daughters own happiness in marriage but I think it is also hypocritical of Elmire not tell Orgon of Tartuffe’s sinful actions, since Tartuffe is living off them and was nothing until Orgon found him. With the start of Scene Four in Act Three, Damis appears from the closet declaring Tartuffe’s actions should not be kept secret from his father. Damis makes the decision to go tell his father, Orgon about what he heard in the closet. (Cardullo