Satire In Molière's Tartuffe

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During the Enlightenment period, satire was often used to mock and expose an issue in order to bring about change. According to David Partikian’s article, “Critical Essay on Tartuffe,” “there is. . . an allegorical criticism of authority, especially a patriarchal monarchy which runs throughout” Molière’s play, Tartuffe (1). The characters in Tartuffe symbolize people of authority and carry out the satire. Orgon is the king within his family. Although Orgon holds all the power within the household, he doesn’t use it well. He acts rashly and out of spite and is easily manipulated. Orgon, manipulated by Tartuffe, sends his son and heir away and claims Tartuffe as his new heir. Out of spite for his entire family, Orgon also demands Mariane, his
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