Moliere during his creation of Tartuffe wanted to bring to attention the underlying issues which were occurring in society as people began to accept the change in social order and the way of doing things. This was when the people who were lowly ranked by the aristocrats began to get the attention they deserved because of the changes and the impact they were making in the society. Moliere in Tartuffealso wanted to show the hypocrisy which was evident in I'm institutions like aristocracy, church and the working class citizens. Moliere fixed opposite attributes to the characters from the play so that they could they could represent how irrationality, hypocrisy, and corruption could manifest themselves to the members of the society who seemed...show more content...
In Act, I scene I Madame Parnelle is irritated and irked by the servants in his son's house because they are paying the deserved attention to her even though she is not in need of any service. Her aristocracy upbringing demands that servants so are available to her beck and call and they should be nearby if a need arises. The boiling point of her anger is exemplified when Dorine who is a housemaid at Orgon's house makes a remark against the guest Tartuffe "you may see him as a saint, but Im far less awed because I see right through him for the frauds that he is" (Moliere, p.9). This statement works to be true in the end because Tartuffe is exposed as a conniving fraud and Madame Parnelle words which had elevated Tartuffe proved to be false. In her defense of Tartuffe, Madame Parnelle had called Tartuffe " a saint as we will ever find on this side of heaven"( Moliere, p.8). This is because Tartuffe is always quoting the bible in his conversations which make him seem pious in the eyes of the aristocrats which subscribed to religion a lot during the neo–classical period. Tartuffe exemplifies the desire for equality and dignity for all irrespective of the social standings because in the midst of all the drama that was
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Essay On Hypocrisy In Tartuffe
Tartuffe, By Jean Baptiste Moliere
Tartuffe, a play written in 1664 by Jean–Baptiste Moliere, is a commentary about hypocrisy and transgression. The play focuses around Orgon and his family, including his wife Elmire, his son Damis, his daughter Mariane, and his mother Madame Pernelle. These characters interact with the servants of the house, Dorine who is maid to Mariane and their house guest, Tartuffe. The genre of the play is comedy and is separated into five acts. Orgon, the main character, starts off at the beginning of play with an infatuation towards his guest Tartuffe. Tartuffe uses this to his advantage and persuades Orgon to hand over his daughter's hand in marriage instead of the man that she had previously been promised too. Throughout the play, Tartuffe shows his true self to everyone except Orgon and works his plan to take over everything that Orgon has. Everyone tries to convince Orgon that Tartuffe is just playing him, but Orgon continues to take the side of Tartuffe and accuses his family of being liars. Finally, Elmire convinces Orgon to hide in the room while she has a conversation with Tartuffe, so that she is able to get Tartuffe to show himself without knowing it. This is a crucial point in the play, because Orgon and his mother, madame Pernelle were the only two people that were backing Tartuffe and that were on his side. After hearing the advances that Tartuffe makes towards his wife, Orgon changes his view on Tartuffe and goes on a rampage against the "holy" man. This changes
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Tartuffe: Theater Critique
Tartuffe, a comedy set back in the 1750's was both proper and comical. Within one household the father, Orgon, offers his daughter Mariane, hand in marriage to the despicable Tartuffe, which has an eye for Orgon's wife, Elmire. Everyone besides the father, Orgon is blind to Tartuffes true intentions, as they are no good. Tartuffeuses his manipulative personality to con the father of all his assets, including his home. When Tartuffe goes to the king, the king is not tricked by the con artist. Instead Tartuffe is arrested, and the deed to the home, along with other important documents are returned to the rightful owner. The play ends happy, as Mariane gets to marry her true love Valere.
The characters hit the 1750's...show more content...
Elmire hides her husband under a table with a sheet comically, as the husband is not cooperating. Once he is hidden, Tartuffe barges into the room quite arrogantly. The characters began to talk, as Orgon hides under the table. Tartuffe starts to get his grove on trying to swindle Elmire. His actions become quite comical as he lays on top of her licking her ear. Though Tartuffes actions become more and more comical, the underling joke is not of Tartuffe, but the amount of time it takes the husband to come from under the table and stop Tartuffe from putting his hands on Elmire. The play continues to be quite comical even during the event that Orgon realizes what a huge mistake he had made trusting the manipulative Tartuffe.
The play was very simple and to the point. Characters didn't undergo any costume changes, and the set stay the same besides some prop changes. The lighting was constant through the play, and only changed during the changing of the set. The actors projected their voices nicely and clearly so that everyone within the audience was able to understand what was being said. Though not much changed during the duration of the play, the audience was still able to walk away feeling that they were just told a story. Overall I enjoyed Tartuffe and the story I was Get
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The context surrounding the period in which Tartuffe was written in, the 17th Century is remembered as being a time of extreme power for the French Monarchy. King Louis XIV and Cardinal Richelieu transformed France's feudal monarchy to an absolute monarchy. What must also be noted about this time is the fact that the Catholic Church and Politicians had a great deal of power over authors and playwrights. In this time of social and religious persecution, MoliГЁre created Tartuffe , a comedy dealing withhypocrisy and to a great extent, religion and how religion can be used in a negative way, to mask sin. The play is known to be offensive towards the Catholic Church and religion in general. When it was first performed in 1664, it was censored,...show more content...
He is at the beginning of the play seen as a God like figure, particularly to Orgon and Madame Pernelle, by this he is strong and inspirational, however, when he does realises he has been found out for being in the wrong, his persona changes to guilty and even vulnerable. This is shown in Act III scene 6 when Damis accuses Tartuffe of trying to seduce Elmire, Tartuffe uses reverse psychology to win Orgon over by confessing the all things awful, to an extent in which Orgon begins to sympathise with him. It is clearly shown that Tartuffe goes to the absolute extreme when he apologises to Orgon;
Oui mon frГЁre, je suis un mГ©chant, un coupable, Un malheureux pГ©cheur tout pleine iniquitГ©, Les plus grand scГ©lГ©rat qui jamais ait Г©tГ©; Chaque instant de ma vie est change de souillures;
Elle n'est qu'un amas de crimes et d'ordures; Et je vois que le ciel, pour ma punition, Me veut mortifier en cette occasion. The language used is extremely depressing, almost showing that it is out of character for Tartuffe to do such a thing, he just feels that he should confess as he is under Orgon's roof and shouldn't make his son out to be a liar. This is what Orgon believes, and although the audience knows differently, Damis is still asked to leave Orgon's house, showing Orgon, a very religious man, being completely hypocritical, as he is undermining his family. Orgon
Tartuffe, Religion Essay
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Tartuffe Character Analysis
Tartuffe is a play that shows the dynamics of an aristocratic family and how they deal with an unwanted guest. When a con artist manipulates his way into the family, he takes total control of the household. Even though everything about him is obvious to those that are looking, one can still be blinded by a grand performance. The family is thrown into dissension when Orgon refuses to see Tartuffefor what he really is. Everyone's relationship comes under scrutiny. Moliere play illustrates that having a direct knowledge of who and how God operates can help when the Devil is standing in the shadows looking to devour. Hypocrisy is the main theme in the play Tartuffe. The play focuses on the houseguest that just will not leave. Damis pleads, "Good God! Do you expect me to submit To the tyranny of that carping hypocrite?" (p. 20). Damis cannot understand why his father, is so willing to follow this outsider and believe in his every word. Another example is how observant the maid is. She quickly recognizes his scheming ways. Dorine tells the family, "You see him as a saint. I'm far less awed; In fact, I see right through him. He's a fraud." (p. 20). The final example, Tartuffe is willing to take the family fortune even though is calls them "friend". Cleante calls him out on this," But if he is a traitor, as you declare, How could you condescend to be his heir?" (p. 66). Tartuffe, claims to be a moral man, but he is willing to be the heir of a supposedly immoral
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Reflection Of Tartuffe
Tartuffe by Jean–Baptiste Poquelin MoliГЁre Tartuffe was written by Jean–Baptiste Poquelin, also known by his pen name MoliГЁre, in 1664. During this time the major religion of the region was Catholicism under the direction of Pope Alexander VII; Louis XIV was France's monarch. The Pope whom resides in Rome– capital of the Catholic faith, as well as a religious and political power at the time– often conflicted with the French king about who should rule over France's Catholic Church.
The people of France did not like the thought of the Pope having more authority than their king– who resides elsewhere, and across Europe "The Age of Enlightenment" was taking place. The people were becoming more self–aware and relied more on their own sense of reasoning, rather than putting all of their trust into authority figures. At this moment in history, the people of France began to believe the church and its representatives to be hypocrites. At risk of...show more content...
First, let me say that what remarks I've made About the constant visits you are paid Were prompted not by any mean emotion, But rather by pure and deep devotion, A fervent zeal... (55)"
Tartuffealso follows up on his speech's forwardness towards Elmire by: grabbing her hands, placing his hand on her knee, pulling after her, and fondling the lace collar of her gown. All of these actions were considered unacceptable behavior by ladies and gentleman during the seventeeth century. Tartuffe also shows signs of hypocrisy when he persuades Orgon to give him his daughter, Mariane's, hand in marriage. In Act III, Scene 3, Tartuffe says:
"...But soon, fair being, I became aware That my deep passion could be made to square With rectitude, and with my bounden duty. I thereupon surrendered to your beauty. It is, I know, presumptuous on my part To bring you this poor offering of my heart, And it is not my merit, Heaven knows, But with your compassion on which my hopes repose (Tartuffe
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Without a doubt, Tartuffe is one of the most ostentatious, hypocritical characters to ever walk on stage. He is a textbook definition of a hypocrite with his behaviors contradicting the morals he claims to hold. Furthermore, based on Tartuffe's dialogue and decisions, he embodies irrationality. Yet, somehow, Tartuffe justifies all his contradictions between what he says and what he does by presenting rational–like defenses.Here, a distinction is unveiled about Tartuffe's motivations. Is Tartuffe merely a hypocrite by deceiving others with a faГ§ade of piety? Or has Tartuffe deluded himself into accepting his deception as well? One interpretation of Tartuffe paints him as acult–like figure, dominating Orgon's life. Common with other cult leaders,...show more content...
In fact, Tartuffe committed such deception under a different alias, whose "long list of... dark crimes would fill volumes" (87). By donning a new persona, Tartuffe could be a ridiculous, irrational man, all the while insisting a higher rank of spirituality. Through this fabricated life, Tartuffe was able to live out his strong sense of grandiosity, completely fooling Orgon of his true nature. The false charm that possessed Tartuffe with his skilled ability to deceive, Orgon stood no chance against the submission that Tartuffe subjected him too. Tartuffe even bragged about how he brought Orgon to the "stage where he could see anything with his own eyes and not believe it," demonstrating how Tartuffe is fully aware of how he is taking advantage of Orgon (75). The sheer amount of control that Tartuffe enforces over Orgon along with masking his true intentions under the guise of piety signals a more sinister state than hypocrisy existing within Tartuffe. With all of his erratic behavior and his swindling of the inheritance out from under Orgon's nose, Tartuffe appears more like a cult figure than solely a hypocrite. He utterly brainwashed Orgon into viewing him as a faultless saint, even elevating him in importance above Orgon's wife and children; moreover, Tartuffe taught Orgon how to emotionally detach himself to the level of indifference if his family died.
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Why Is Tartuffe A Hypocrisy?
MorliГЁre ridiculous every class in French society, during the seventeenth century. The rich and poor have nowhere to hide from his mocking plays. They do not resent him, but instead fill his theater house. They find humor in being able to identify personalities they know all too well. MoliГЁre bravely mocked the self–righteous people of the Church in his play, Tartuffe. He displays the battle between passion and reason. He saw the battle take place between his peers in the Enlightenment. They fought for reason while trying to fight against passion in themselves. MoliГЁre portrays the struggle between passion and reason in a comedic way during Tartuffe. During Act II, Orgon's daughter struggles between being the daughter society approves of and following her heart. It appears that following her heart would give in to passion, however, Mariane wants to marry a young gentleman. Her father, who is suppose to give reason, wants her to be married to a poor old man. Orgon is the true advocate for passion. He wants his daughter to marry Tartuffe,...show more content...
Elmire's brother, ClГЁante, confronts Tartuffe. ClГЁante is the voice of reason who is less brash than Dorine. Tartuffe, like the Church plays the innocent part. ClГЁante, like MolГЁre's peers, can see through Tartuffe's deceit. Orgon does the unexpected and listens to his wife. He conceals himself out of sight to spy on his adoration, Tartuffe. Elmire transforms herself into the sinful desire Tartuffe craves. She manipulates the manipulator, by using her wits and beauty. Tartuffe is too full of himself to see that he has fallen into a trap. Tartuffe demands his sexual urges be pleased. He declares that a sin done in secret is not a sin at all. Orgon comes out furious and banishes Tartuffe, remembering too late that he gave everything to Tartuffe. Orgon, like a wave, is tossed back and forth with every wind of
Reason In Tartuffe Essay
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ENG 262 N Religious Hypocrisy in Moliere's "Tartuffe" Jean–Baptiste Poquelin Moliere was one of the greatest writers of the seventeenth century, being considered by many the greatest author of French comedy. In his plays, called "comedies of manners", Moliere satirizes the morals and social conventions of his contemporaneous human society by using stock characters. In Tartuffe, a comedy of five acts, the main topic is the analysis of religious hypocrisy and leader figures of the seventeenth century, portraying Tartuffe in contrast with personages like Orgon. The main character is Tartuffe, the hypocrite that tries to climb the social ladder by using Orgon's ignorance and blindness. Tartuffe creates around himself an appearance of...show more content...
Orgon is the type of man that is easily impressed because he does not have a strong personality. Once Tartuffe gains his trust, Orgon seems to be willing to act under hypocrite's guidance: "Under his tutelage my soul's been freed/ From earthly loves, and every human tie;/ My mother, children, brother, and my wife could die,/ And I'd not feel a single moment's pain" (Moliere 32). Moliere's personages can be found in our days also. Unfortunately, hypocrisy is an immorality that will never Get
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Tartuffe
In his most notorious play Tartuffe, MoliГЁre relates the story of an attempt, by a manipulative hypocrite, to destroy the domestic happiness of a citizen who, charmed by his seeming piety, has taken him into his home as a respectable guest. The play was disallowed after its first performance because it was deemed anti–religion. However this ruling was made unfairly since true religion is never confounded with hypocrisy, but is upheld with warmth, which shows his characteristic hatred of imposture in any shape.
Through out Tartuffe, MoliГЁre's play...show more content...
They never will attack a sinner viciouslyВ For it's the sin they criticize, exclusively. Their zeal isn't excessive, and it never seems The interests of God have pushed them to extremes. These are my heroes. They're the men I think are great. And they're the men whom I would want to imitate.
On first seeing Tartuffe performed in Versailles, the King immediately recognized and appreciated its genius. He understood that it was strictly addressing hypocrisy, however concern about the play began to grow as its performance moved to Paris. MoliГЁre's adversaries claimed that under the fake motive of trying to expose hypocrisy, he actually sought to undermine the foundations of religion itself. Pressure from the opposition, which included the Catholic Church, the archbishop of Paris, the Queen Mother Anne of Austria, and the Company of the Holy Sacrament forced Louis XIV to ban the play in Paris. The argument could be made that The King's initial approval stemmed from the fact that Tartuffe includes patronage in the form of not so subtle flattery and references to Louis XIV and his family and associates, rather than the theme of hypocrisy versus sincerity. One instance of this being in the final act where the King's authorities come to arrest Tartuffe for a history of swindling people out of their fortune. The officer refers to his King as:
He sees things as they are; you'll find that wicked schemes
Tartuffe Essay
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The ideals of the Enlightenment can be found in many of the writings from this time period, but just to be specific on two works Tartuffe and An Essay on Man. This was the age of reason and logic. So this became the main source of validity, and people were getting comfortable enough to have little worry. People in this time began to apply normal beliefs to find and understand nature and to guide their human being. In Moliere's Tartuffe, this quality is stated through the character of the king. In Pope's An Essay on Man, he inspired a change in man, to explore themselves and their world and to make sense of it. Talking about Tartuffe, we're looking not merely for its literary qualities but references to other literary works like An a Essay on
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Enlightenment In Tartuffe And An Essay On Man
In Moliere's description of a satire, he was very direct as to the function and objectives of ones are. The function is to correct men's problems, using satire to ridicule them and expose them to the public opinion. Although the satire is making fun of many things, things in the church and organized religion. Tartuffehas many themes that reoccur throughout the play. The time period which this piece was written, was know as The Age Of Reason. One of the main ideas and attitudes during this period was, reason must always control passion. Due this attitude, one theme that constantly appears through out the play is the battle between reason and passion....show more content...
" Ought not a Christian to forgive; and ought he not strife every vengeful thought? Should you stand by and watch a father make his only son, an exile for your sake? Again I tell you frankly, be advised: the whole town, high and low scandalized; this quarrel, must be mended, and my advice is not to push matter to a further crisis. In that scene, Cleante is trying to talk reason into Tartuffe's actions Orgon has just kicked out his son, and made Tartuffe his sole heir. Although Orgon has acted out on his passion without considering any reason, Cleante is attempting to show Tartuffe his wrong doings and his hypocrisy. Up to this point in the story Tartuffe has not acted out on passion. Then Moliere adds a twist to the story with the exact thing "Man's Passions", Tartuffes passion, is the sole explanation for his downfall, slowly his passion for Elmire and greed infest his way of thinking and leads to his defeat and surrender. He let his passion control his reason for good.
These conflicts between reason and passion that are continuously given in Moliere's Tartuffe can easily teach a lesson to anybody who is ready to listen. If people were only willing to think before they react, imagine the difference it would make in ones life. We are not as lucky to have someone point out short cummins, but our inner voice should come fourth. But we would still have to take the time to Get more content
Moliere's Tartuffe Essay
Tartuffe Script Review
Name Title of Play Playwright: Tartuffe by Jean Baptiste Poquelin MoliГЁre
What does the title mean? The title means the Imposter or the Hypocrite. The title is about the main character Tartuffe, but the play begins in hypocrisy. The family is talking about other people and their faults while not seeing their own hypocrisy while they gossip.Tartuffeis a man who speaks of holiness and confesses his own sin so openly and dramatically that Orgon does not even suspect him later in the play. Who are the main characters in the play? How are the characters related through the plot of the play? Most of the characters are related, with the exception of Tartuffe. Most of the play is about the blindness Orgon has regarding...show more content...
How does the play begin? (Exposition) The play begins with Madame Pernelle being very critical in pointing out the faults and bad habits in others. She is pointing out how so many others have mixed motives and need to change. She calls the family servant, Dorine a "servant wench" and her own grandson Damis a fool; and her daughter in law Elmire is spoken to very cruelly and told that "your conduct in everything is all together wrong." Damis makes it clear that the family cannot tolerate Tartuffe.
Describe the moment that starts the main story. (Inciting Incident) The family is already angry at Tartuffe. Madame Pernelle is taking his side and coming to his defense and is critical of her own family, she tells her family that "He is a holy man, and must be heeded." (Act I Scene I). Damis is not fooled by Tartuffe. He knows already of the blindness his father Orgon has regarding the truth about Tartuffe, and he has just heard his grandmother verbally destroy the family in her calling to obey Tartuffe. Damis tells her "I foresee that there must come of it An open rupture with this sneaking scoundrel." (Act I Scene I). It is clear from here on in the play that the family will be divided and in chaos because of
Tartuffe Essay
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Tartuffe What is Tartuffe ?– Tartuffe, or The Impostor, or The Hypocrite (/tЙ‘rЛ€tКЉf, –Л€tuЛђf/;[1] French: Tartuffe, ou l'Imposteur, pronounced: [taКЃtuf]), first performed in 1664, is one of the most famous theatrical comedies by MoliГЁre. The characters of Tartuffe, Elmire, and Orgon are considered among the greatest classical theatre roles.
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PLAYWRIGHT :MoliГЁre
Who is MoliГЁre ? – MoliГЁre is an author who's genre are Literature and Fiction, born in Paris, France wayback January 15, 1622.
THEME : Religion, Ambition, Sex, Justice, Marriage, Loyalty, and Family...
How do I recognized those ? – Religion is one of the theme that has been featured in the play,it is crucial to realize that the play intends to expose a ...show more content...
The only person who has her great approval is Tartuffeand she says that Tartuffe is close to it's perfection.
Damis and Dorine the maid argue that Tartuffe is a bigot and hypocrite, but Madame Pernell was still unconvinced. She thinks that Tartuffe is a good and great man. She also maintain that there are many visitors that would come and scatter gossips about her family. Dorine snaps a woman out of jealousy, before Madame Pernelle grew old she thinks that she was part of this world but now she wa afraid that the world may drop her out. So she spends her time in criticizing it. Madame Pernelle would not be tolerate comment and upon leaving reminds the company that they are such a holyman as Tartuffe was dwelling beneath their
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Thesis Statement Of Tartuffe
A minor character contributes heavily in a play, particularly by revealing information or giving additional insight about major characters. Tartuffe, by MoliГЁre, is a French satire which is over exaggerated and critical towards the upper class. It also ridicules hypocrisy and the upper class. MoliГЁre's unique choice of using stock characters contributes to the technical development of the work. Specifically, Dorine holds the role of the Zanni, the servant who provides comedic relief. Madame Pernelle fits the category of the Pantalone because despite being a woman, she is wealthy and an upperclassman, meaning she's at the top of the social pyramid. Orgon fits into the category of the Dottore, as he is the head of the household and also at the top of the social pyramid. While, Tartuffeis a hypocritical character identified as the Capitano of the play . He convinces Orgon and Madame Pernelle that he is a devoutly pious and humble man, but behind his facade he is an...show more content...
Without her, the motif of the truth about Tartuffe would not be revealed. Dorine is the person who expresses through satire much of the exasperation the audience feels. From the beginning of the play, we become acquainted with the truth about Tartuffe being a hypocrite, through Dorine. In Act I, Scene I Dorine says, "if anyone were to listen to him and believe in his maxims, one could not do anything without committing a sin; for he controls everything, this carping critic". Through dialogue, Dorine exposes Tartuffe to the audience. This affects our perception of Tartuffe, we become aware of who Tartuffe really is and what his natural character is like. Dorine not being in the play would minimize this opportunity for us as an audience. Dorine plays a very significant role in Tartuffe; if she wasn't a part of the play, the audience would have a harder time navigating the motif of truth within
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Stock Characters In Tartuffe
Theme of Deception in Tartuffe
Throughout time, man has used many forms of deception to get what they want. Moliere's play Tartuffe is a classical story about deception and how a "mask" is used to hide someone's true intentions. Moliere applies the idea of a mask and a theme of deception to exploit the power struggles within a traditional household. The character Tartuffeemploys deception so he can achieve social and economical standings while Elmire, Mariane, and Dorine use deception to defy the authority of Orgon over the entire household and to help bring back family harmony. In the play Tartuffe, one of fundamental theme is deception. The biggest hypocrite in this play is the character named Tartuffe. He is able to create a...show more content... In two different scenes, a character hides so he can listen in on a conversation of two other between two other individual. One instance is when Damis stands in a closet as Tartuffe expresses his yearning and passion for Orgon's wife. Elmire tells him, "Your declaration is most gallant, Sir, but don't you think it's out of character? You'd have done better to restrain your passion and think before you spoke in such a fashion. It ill becomes a pious man like you..." (Lawall 338). Then Tartuffe comes back with, "I may be pious, but I'm human too... My keen concern for my good name insures the absolute security of yours; in short, I offer you, my dear Elmire, love without scandal, pleasure without fear" (Lawall 338). Damis is enraged and says, "Now I have my long–awaited chance to punish his deceit and arrogance, and give my father clear and shocking proof of the clack character of his dear Tartuffe" (Lawall 339). He then tells his father, "You've just now been repaid with interest for all your loving –kindness to our guest. He's proved his warm and grateful feelings toward you; It's with a pair of horns he would reward you. Yes, I surprised him with your wife, and heard his whole adulterous offer, every word" (Lawall 340). It seems that Moliere condemns the use of deception on Tartuffe's part. Although, he seems to imply that, within the play, Get
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Moliere's Tartuffe: Age Of Reason
Moliere's Tartuffe is a piece of literature originating in France during the 17th century, which was the so called age of Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason. Plato would most likely have approved of the message Moliere tries to push through Tartuffe. That is rationality and reason trump all. Plato may not be the most supportive of art and literature but if it happens to be a medium that lends to his principles of reason, logic, rationality and above all the maintenance of the social order then he would happily approve. The type of Enlightenment thinking in western society differed substantially from the Eastern Asian philosophies. Enlightenment thinkers brought faith in reason, logic, and rationality into the forefront of Western culture....show more content...
He also fails to perceive that Tartuffe is tricking him and his family and thus is not thinking as rationally as Cleante is. In Act I, scene 5, Cleante accuses his brother–in–law of being unable to realize the differences between "true piety and hypocrisy". He says to Orgon that his love of Tartuffe is "nonsense," and then attempts to enlighten him on Tartuffe's true nature. Yet despite all this Cleante knows that his brother–in–law's mind is clouded by his emotions. Trying to talk sense into his brother in law, Cleante acts once again as voice of reason, which goes unheard continuously throughout the work. Orgon believes so intensely in Tartuffe's goodness and godliness that he is even willing to give up anything for him, including his own daughter's happiness in being able to marry the man she loves. In Act I, scene 5, Orgon blatantly disregards his previous promise of marrying his daughter to Valere and reveals he instead has plans to give his daughter's hand to Tartuffe. The value of moderation and reason in all things, as opposed to excess and obsession, is another important enlightenment theme appearing throughout Tartuffe. eante is the voice of reason because he goes out of his way to promote moderation and balance throughout the
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