Tartuffe Flashcards
Author
Moliere
Orgon
The protagonist, a wealthy middle-aged head of household who has a demanding mother, a son and daughter of marriageable age, an attractive second wife, and a smart-mouthed servant. Once an able and wise man, Orgon has succumbed to religious zealotry, using morality to exercise power over his family. Orgon is gullible, stubborn, and not very bright.
Tartuffe
The antagonist, a charlatan who preys on Orgon and his family. Tartuffe has faked holy poverty and religious fervor to attract Orgon’s admiration and succeeded so well that Tartuffe now lives in luxury in Orgon’s house. Tartuffe keeps up his public image with extreme acts of penance and ostentatious charity. In private, he gorges on food and wine and leers at the women in Orgon’s household.
Dorine
The maid to Mariane, Orgon’s daughter. Dorine is the least important member of Orgon’s household in terms of social class, but by far the most truthful, clear-headed, and competent. She talks back to her employers and social betters, stating the truth without fear. Dorine is worldly, skeptical, and self-confident. She serves as a foil for her naive, credulous, and insecure master, Orgon, and for his shy, obedient daughter, Mariane.
Elmire
Orgon’s second wife and the fond stepmother of Orgon’s son, Damis, and daughter, Mariane. Elmire is a witty and fashionable lady who wears fine clothing and entertains many friends. She is a reasonably religious, virtuous woman, devoted to her husband and stepchildren. But Elmire is also wise to the ways of society. She recognizes the need to avoid scandal and to protect her husband’s family.
Cléante
Elmire’s brother and Orgon’s brother-in-law. Cléante is a frequent visitor at Orgon’s house, enjoying the society of Elmire’s other guests. Cléante is a philosopher and serious thinker, a voice of reason and moderation whose speeches border on the pompous. Cléante dispenses wise thoughts and argues commonsense positions. He approaches crises with caution and so is given to inaction.
Madame Pernelle
Orgon’s mother, constant critic of Elmire, and dreaded grandmother of Mariane and Damis. Madame Pernelle follows her son Orgon’s lead and believes Tartuffe’s claims. Like Orgon, she uses piety as a weapon, with Orgon’s family coming under her direct fire.
Damis
Orgon’s son by his first wife; Elmire’s stepson. Damis is young, hotheaded, and quick-tempered. He shows off his bravado with threats of violence, especially against Tartuffe. Damis wants to marry Valère’s sister.
Mariane
Orgon’s daughter by his first wife; stepdaughter to Elmire. Mariane is innocent, shy, somewhat naive, and deeply in love with Valère, the man to whom Orgon has promised her in marriage. Mariane is also a dutiful daughter, accustomed to obeying Orgon.
Valère
A wealthy young man betrothed to Mariane, Orgon’s daughter. Like Mariane, Valère is an emotional adolescent who is deeply in love. He is quick to take offense and creates unnecessary obstacles between himself and Mariane. Valère is also the friend of Damis, Mariane’s brother.
Monsieur Loyal
A bailiff. He threatens people with polite good cheer, which makes him both amusing and terrifying.
Police Officer
A royal official who serves both as an arresting officer and as the King’s messenger.
Flipote
The maid to Madame Pernelle. Flipote does not have a speaking part in the play. Her role is to take abuse from Madame Pernelle
Laurent
Servant to Tartuffe. An offstage character who helps Tartuffe work his cons and who lords it over Orgon’s domestic staff.
Daphne and Orante
Friends or neighbors. Offstage characters who figure in the gossip of Madame Pernelle and Dorine.
The King
Also known as the Prince, the sovereign, and the royal soul. The King is an offstage character who knows all, sees all, and resolves all problems.
Theme 1: Hypocrisy
Tartuffe is the ultimate hypocrite, presenting himself as pious while secretly being sinful. His hypocrisy has a destabilizing effect on Orgon’s household, manipulating everyone around him. Those who trust him, such as Orgon and Madame Pernelle, become hypocrites themselves, failing to see the truth. Cléante, Dorine, and Elmire try to resist Tartuffe’s deceit, but it is Elmire who finally exposes him, using his lust to reveal his true nature to Orgon. However, Tartuffe’s danger persists until a royal decree from the King (a deus ex machina) strips him of his power. Through this plot resolution, Molière critiques the perilous nature of hypocrisy and its ability to harm those who fall for it.
Theme 2: Reason vs Emotion
In the play, Tartuffe relies on manipulating emotions, while Cléante, Dorine, and Elmire appeal to reason to combat him. Orgon, however, becomes increasingly swayed by his emotions, particularly by Tartuffe’s charm, leading him to make irrational decisions. His emotional state causes him to turn against his family and trust Tartuffe above all else. In contrast, the subplot of Mariane and Valère highlights the dangers of unchecked emotion, as their love, though genuine, leads to misunderstandings and conflict. It is only through the reason of Dorine that their relationship is saved. The play ultimately shows that emotion, when unchecked, can lead to poor decisions and harm, even in the context of love.
Theme 3: Religion, Piety, and Morals
Religion plays a significant role in Tartuffe, as it was a deeply important part of French society. Tartuffe misuses religion to manipulate others, portraying himself as pious when in reality, he is greedy and deceitful. Elmire, in contrast, embodies true piety by rejecting Tartuffe’s advances and maintaining her virtue. The play explores the difficulty of distinguishing between true piety and false displays of faith. Madame Pernelle, for example, wrongly condemns Elmire for her outward appearance and behavior, while Tartuffe is lauded for his religious showmanship despite his immoral actions. Molière critiques how easily people can be deceived by outward displays of faith and highlights the importance of inner virtue.
Symbol 1: The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church serves as a powerful symbol in Tartuffe, representing traditional values such as piety, charity, and obedience. Tartuffe uses this symbol to manipulate others, especially Orgon, by pretending to be a representative of the Church. His outward displays of charity and humility make him seem like a man of faith, but he is only using these actions to further his own desires. His connection to the Church makes him particularly dangerous, as it gives him a sense of legitimacy. Ultimately, it is only when the King intervenes and severs Tartuffe’s connection to the Church that he loses his influence, revealing the true danger of hypocritical religious figures.
