Family and Tartuffe

Tartuffe is a prime example of how trusting someone too much can go wrong. Orgon was initially blinded by the type of person Tartuffe was. In his eyes he could do no wrong; however, others were able to see past Tartuffe's fraudulent character. This story coincides with the famous quote, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” When Orgon’s family tries to set Tartuffe up, the plan backfires rapidly. Damis, Orgon’s son, is even kicked out of the house. This scene really sets the stage for the level of trust Orgon has for Tartuffe. One could even question how close their friendship really was. Despite hearing what his family had to say, Orgon took the side of a friend, not his family. This subsequently brings into question the way Tartuffe saw Orgon’s family. He lies and convinces a father that he is in love with his daughter, allthewhile trying to make advances at his wife; then, lies about it to his face and is deemed trustworthy. The family then devises another plan. this time with Orgon hiding under the table. Although Orgon agrees, he believes his own wife is lying to him. To his surprise, he hears Tartuffe making advances at his wife, Elmire, as she is declines. Orgon emerges and kicks Tartuffe out of his home. The plot twist ensues when Tartuffe tried to blackmail the family and take their home. He is eventually arrested and Mariane and Valère can go back to planning a marriage. This is a story of betrayal, a question of loyalty, and of family. Tartuffe betrayed the friendship he had with Orgon. From the beginning it was based off of lies for his own selfish gain. Orgon believed he had found a loyal companion, one who he could trust and keep around his family; this too, was all a hoax. The biggest issue of all, however deals with that of family. Orgon’s family was merely torn apart by the actions of one man; for the simple fact that Orgon believed Tartuffe more than his own wife and daughter. That alone shows how trusting Orgon was of