Tartuffe by Moliere represents a comedy that satirizes religion hypocrisy of the sixteen and seventeen century. Here a messenger preaches moral value but does not abide by the morals. It also focuses on Orgon, a wealthy man who takes a stranger by face value and almost lost everything.
He placed the needs of Tartuffe above those of his family and even disinherits his own son in an attempt to make an hypocritical, self righteous con artist the sole heir to his fortune.
He placed the needs of Tartuffe above those of his family and even disinherits his own son in an attempt to make an hypocritical, self righteous con artist the sole heir to his fortune.
This will be an interesting play to watch over and over for its dramatic effect. The Climax of the play will be when Orgon finally caught Tartuffe in action as he reveals his real identity, very devastated of course. To make things worse, Tartuffe even tries to lay claim to Orgon's property.
As it was then so it is now, we see the replay of this scenario everyday in today's society that is permeated with crimes and fraudulent acts.
Orgon was fooled by Tartuffe as well as his mother. All the other members of his family saw the truth about Tartuffe. It took Orgon hiding under the table to witness Tartuffe behavior with his wife. I felt the climax of the paly was the end when Tartuffe got what he deserved and the tables were turned on him. I did not find this to be a comedy. I do agree with you it has to be watched over and over to get the full effect of the play.
ReplyDeleteRight .... the whole premise was that Tartuffe had them all fooled but he did it with the veil of being labled a religious man....
ReplyDeleteI can think of several TV evangelists that have proven to be more sneaky than they appeare on Television.
Ultimately we were all rooting for Tartuffe to get caught AND for the mother to see her error in judgement. Well at least I was.