Hypocrisy In Tartuffe

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Much in line with the Neoclassical ideas prevalent during the Age of Enlightenment, Moliere’s Tartuffe challenges the traditional socioeconomic structure of mid-17th century France. By his use of satire, as well as references to classical literary devices, Moliere exposes hypocrisy in both the Church authority and the royal hierarchy. However, Moliere’s most radical device is his use of female characters as prominent voices in Tartuffe. Moliere portrays his Enlightenment ideology through the unique characterization of three main female characters. Dorine, the servant, represents the voice of reason; Cleante, Orgon’s wife, represents doubt in the social standard of wifehood; and Madame Pernelle, Orgon’s mother, represents the aspects of irrationality …show more content…
Firstly noted, Madame Pernelle’s obsession with maintaining societal structure highlights her dedication to the establishment. At the start of the play, Madame Pernelle expresses her disdain with “the way this house is run,” and her complaints with the other house members outline the ways in which society expects them to act (15). Dorine, as the servant, should not have opinions; Damis, as a prince, should uphold his role as heir to the throne; Mariane, as a princess, should be a “fragile flower” and refrain from individual thought; and Elmire, as a queen not connected by royal blood, should stay subservient to her husband (15). Moliere satirizes the establishment’s illogical prejudice by having Madame Pernelle underestimate the rationality of her subordinates solely based on their social status. Thus, Madame Pernelle serves as a representation of the status quo by directly counteracting with Moliere’s Enlightenment ideology, portrayed through Dorine and Elmire.
Additionally, Molere utilizes Madame Pernelle to expose the irrationality of blind faith and the hypocrisy prevalent in the Church system of the time. Madame Pernelle displays her ignorant acceptance of religious piety when coming to the defense of Orgon’s decision to trust
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