Abstract
This paper examines the theme that reason, not emotion or faith, should determine how a person makes decisions. The writer uses examples from Moliere's "Tartuffe" to expand on this concept. It focuses on the characters Cleante, Damis, and the King and portrays them as reasonable people.

From the Paper
"During the enlightenment, people began questioning "nature, humanity, and society"(Davis 11). One of the people who publicly questioned these things was Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Moliere. In his play Tartuffe, the male head of the household Orgon, welcomes Tartuffe, who is allegedly a highly religious man, into his home. However, Tartuffe ends up being a fraud. Orgon is at first oblivious to Tartuffe's faults until he almost loses his estate to Tartuffe. Moliere presents the idea that rather than emotion or faith, reason should govern a person's choices."

Tags:englightenment, moliere, reason, tartuffe

Abstract
This paper presents an examination of the three main characters in Moliere's play "Tartuffe", and how they reflect the traits of one another. It also looks at the dramatic technique of foiling.

From the Paper
"Tartuffe works as a complex examination of the hypocritical human condition specifically because of the relationships between the characters in the play. In examining the relationships between these main characters and how these relationships serve the writers greater purpose we can begin to understand the meaning of the play in greater depth. For instance it is apparent that Tartuffe Cleante and Orgon have many similarities between them as characters. At the same time however the differences between them are almost startling ..."

Tags:tartuffe, moliere, cleante orgon, foil character

Abstract
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. "

Tags:enlightenment, cleante, reason, morality, religious, hypocrisy