"Tartuffe" and Enlightenment Values

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Moliere's "Tartuffe" is from 17th century France, during the Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason. It looks at how at the time, people in Paris were interested in enlightenment values such as rationality, moderation and order and how social graces, good manners and how gender roles were strictly enforced during this period. It analyzes how Moliere demonstrates all of these enlightenment values in his play. It evaluates how the main theme of "Tartuffe" is the difference between true religious piety and religious hypocrisy and how morality was also considered to be important during the Enlightenment.

From the Paper:

"If Cleante represents reason in Tartuffe, then Orgon is the opposite of reason. Although he conforms to society's conventions and he accepts rigid rules of behavior, Orgon is extremely emotional throughout the play. He also fails to perceive that Tartuff is tricking them and thus is not thinking as rationally as Cleante is. In Act I, scene 6, Cleante accuses his brother of being unable to distinguish "hypocrisy and genuine devoutness." He tells Orgon that his love of Tartuffe is "nonsense," and attempts to enlighten him about Tartuffe's true nature. Yet Cleante knows that his brother's mind is clouded by his emotions. Trying to talk sense into his brother, Cleante is the voice of reason which goes unheard. Orgon believes so intensely in Tartuffe's piety and goodness that he is willing to sacrifice the happiness of his daughter. "

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• Comparison Essay # 122832 : "Moliere and Alexander Pope"
• Analytical Essay # 62058 : "Voltaire, Moliere and Satire"

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