Humor in Moliere’s Tartuffe

After reading the play, Tartuffe by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Moliere’s, I realized it illustrated comedy by sarcastically describing the characters, their roles and the events which took place. The play seemed very familiar to real life situations and how people are easily deceived by someone who they consider trustworthy. The plot is one that keeps the reader or viewer interested and aware. The irony in the story is not only is Tartuffe’s deception hurting the people who trust him; in the end he is one who will end up worst off.

First, the characters were chosen to represent types of people or some generalized aspect of human nature. Tartuffe is a prime example of his expertise in the comedic technique. In hopes of finding religious counsel, the very religious Orgon brings an unknown holy man named Tartuffe into his 15th century French household. Believing that this man was a messenger from God himself, Orgon entrusted everything to him including his household and his daughter, Mariane. It begins with Madame Pernell visiting her son’s house and reprimanding all of them but their boarder, Tartuffe. She believes Tartuffe is a man of astounding character. The members of the house, however, disagree and say that Tartuffe is deceitful and a fraud.

Next, after Madam Pernell leaves, Dorine and Cleante, the maid and the brother-in-law of the main character, Orgon, discuss Tartuffe, and both agree that he has captivated Orgon. Damis, Orgon’s son, wonders whether his father will allow Mariane, Orgon’s daughter, to marry Valere, whom she is in love with, because Damis is in love with Valere’s sister. Orgon comes and tells Mariane that he wants her to marry Tartuffe instead of Valere because he wants to ally Tartuffe to his house. She is so shocked that she does not say anything. Finally convinced of Tartuffe’s hypocrisy, Orgon emerges and orders him from the household. Tartuffe then reveals that legally he is now the owner of the house,...