Examples Of Rationality In Tartuffe

Throughout the novel Moliere demands rationality from the audience as Tartuffe, the novel’s religious figurehead, deceives Orgon. Moliere represents 17th century French aristocracy through the character Tartuffe, who uses religious acts in order to disguise himself as a saint. Moliere does not believe this to be true piety in that true devotees, according to Moliere, do not need outward demonstrations. Moliere disagrees with several aspects including structure. Elmire -- a women-- is the only one who effectively found a way to awaken Orgon. Further carrying Molter’s message that those who rule with unchecked power become tyrannical.

Orgon is first introduced in Act 1 as Dorine, the shrewd severant, makes remarks pertaining to Orgon’s infatuation

His infatuation is evident in Act 1 scene 1 when he arrives from the country and inquires about news. Dorine assumes he is concerned about his wife, but instead Orgon dismisses his wife’s condition and inquires about healthy Tartuffe. This shocks the audience in that it defies a reasonable prediction that a husband would show genuine concern in his wife’s condition. The reason for infatuation is gen in Act 1 Scene V and Oregon expresses his love for the poor man who showed religious devotion. Audience begins to understand that the devotion to Tartuffe is parallel to the devotion to religion. Oregon further shocks the audiences by the statement: Orgon’s family “could die and (oregon) would not feel a single moment's pain.”/ Demonstrating that Orgon is reckless and does not understand the implications of his statement. Orgon has been manipulated to believe he is putting aside earthly cares as God commanded. Bible Verse:. This is parallel to the Catholic church at the time which used Bible excerpts to convince non-literate audiences and pervert religious text. Orgon;’s belief in Tartuffe’s piety is exaggerated to the point of humor when he states that

He listens as Tartuffe attempts to make sexual advancements on Elmire-- Orgon’s wife. He jumps out and attempts to expose Tartuffe to his father. Orgon then shocks the audience by releasing his wrath on Damis -- his son -- rather than the perpetrator. Ironically Tartuffe admits guilt stating he is “the greatest villain that has ever existed” (97). However, Oregon believes Tartuffe is an embodiment of God and therefore can do no wrong. Consequently, Oregon turns to Damis to release his fury and disinherits his only son and in doing so cuts of the family lineage. This moment is ironic because in an attempt to be one with the embodiment of God, Oregon commits a sin. Oregon continues to act irrational way and will not believe Tartuffe to be a false fiend until he sees it for himself. Oregon hides under the table and hears Tartuffe’s sexual advancements. Yet despite Elmire’s repeated coughs/ signals, Oregon does not come out until Tartuffe nearly rapes his wife and Oregon does not come out until he is fully convinced that Tartuffe is a “wicked monster” (129). It is important to note that this moment cannot be classified as a realization because Orgon’s conclusion does not come out of rationality, but out of Elmire’s demonstrations. Moliere once again goes against society’s commonly held notion as Elmire-- a