Illusion Vs. Reality In Tartuffe By Muliére

There are many works of literature, but out of all those, only few earn the title of a masterpiece. Various works have been carried through time and remain as some of the best piece of work. These pieces of literature are more than a good read. The pages contain excellent literary technique, exquisite revelation of its culture, a brilliant use of illusion versus reality, a universal appeal to time and place, and impeccably suits its own age. Therefore, scholars applaud Muliére for his timeless work of Tartuffe which for centuries has been considered to be one literature's finest masterpieces. Muliére lived through the Age of Elegance or The Age of Reason during the eighteenth century. This was a lavish and luxurious time period. It was also
a time where the power of the mind to think was favored. People were not praying to saints or searching for miracles, but rather focusing on reason and logic. This age is superbly displayed in the play, Tartuffe. Hence, by reading the literature, the time period is notably shown from beginning to end. A work like this perfectly captures the Age of Elegance in Paris, France. Additionally, the elegancy is also found in Moliére's writing. For instance, the play consists of couplet, a writing technique that is exceptionally sophisticated. “If I defied my father, as you suggest, would it not seem maidenly, at best?” (Muliére 205-206). Also the use of the literary device, aphorisms, which are found in Tartuffe further reveals the time period, because the elegantly stated truth was often seen in this age. Dorine herself elegantly states the truth about the deceitful Tartuffe saying, “a man whose spirit spurns this dungy earth ought not to brag of lands and noble birth; such worldly arrogance will hardly square with meek devotion and the life of prayer,” (Muliére 71-74).
The use of comedy branches from reason due to the required thought in the witty dialogue and action, which is why the work is a notable example of what this age consisted of. The goal is to receive laughter for the audience, which requires intellectual thought to be able understand the humor. The Age of Reason was comprised of pushing the mind to think, so comedy was highly favored. He creates two dupes, Orgon and Madame Pernelle, who are easily fooled by the hypocrite, Tartuffe and all of his lies. Muliére brilliantly uses satire in the play, perfectly blending a critical attitude with humor and wit in order to improve human institutions and humanity itself. For instance, Muliére pokes fun at those who manipulate religion in order to get what they want, by portraying this through his character Tartuffe. He uses dramatic irony in a comedic way when both Cléante and Orgon are hiding either under a table or in a closet, eavesdropping on other characters. “Under the table, now; and once you’re there, take care that you are neither seen nor heard,” (Muliére 179-181). The play is full of wit and humor between characters. For instance, it is humorous and ironic when Orgon is frustrated when Madam Pernelle does not believe that Tartuffe is a hypocrite, when the rest of the characters were frustrated with Orgon who was not able to the truth about the man for so long. Orgon argues with Madam Pernelle saying, “You’re talking nonsense. Can’t you realize I saw it: saw it; saw it with my eyes? Saw, do you understand me? Must I shout it into your ears before you’ll cease to doubt it?” (Muliére 102-105). Orgon is a perfect example of a comedic character, who consists of faults and can be quite ridiculous.
Another aspect that makes this play into a masterpiece is the theme of illusion versus reality that the playwright reveals in his story.
Tartuffe is a masked character, putting on a false front. He is able to deceive Orgon into believing he is a holy man with all pure intentions. “He used to come into our church each day and humbly kneel nearby, and start to pray. He’d draw the eyes of everybody there by the deep fervor of his heartfelt prayer: He’d sigh and weep, and sometimes with a sound of rapture he would bend and kiss the ground,” (Muliére 283-288). However, in the end of play, he is fully unmasked to all characters, when the truth about who he truly is is revealed. “The man’s ingratitude is unparalleled. I save a wretched pauper from starvation, house him, and treat him like a blood relation, shower him every day with my largesse, give him my daughter, and all that I possess; and meanwhile the unconscionable knave tries to induce my wife to misbehave…now threatens me with my own liberality, and aims, by taking base advantage of the gifts I gave him out of Christian love,” (Muliére 74-82). Orgon, as well as Madam Pernelle, are unable to perceive the reality of Tartuffe. Therefore, they are constantly praising the hypocrite on the false image that Tartuffe is portraying to
them. Tartuffe is a revelation of its culture. The setting takes place during The Age of reason, a time where people believed in being ruled by reason, and not letting the heart take over. In Tartuffe, readers can see the struggle that the dupe, Orgon, faces when he is strongly ruling with his heart. “Oh, had you seen Tartuffe as I first knew him, your heart, like mine, would have surrendered to him,” (Muliére 182-185). Muliére reveals the negative aspect of what ruling with Cléante angrily responds to Orgon saying, “Why can you not be rational? You never manage to take the middle course, it seems, but jump, instead, between absurd extremes.” (Muliére 36-38). Furthermore into the display of culture, the play takes place in the mid-seventh century, where France was under the reign of King Louis XIV sat on the throne. Readers have background that Orgon had once served for the king, therefore it is implied that Orgon has wealth, which is why Tartuffe comes around and puts on a false front. Orgon’s household greatly reflects the culture of Parisians; wealth, luxury, and elegance. In addition, the Catholic Church is an important aspect of this culture. It was a powerful institution, so when Moliére has Tartuffe associated with the Church, he had to be careful with his unholy character. In result of this, Muliére has his character Cléante comment on religion saying it is “virtuous", for the purpose of not being imprisoned for his previously controversial comments regarding the church. Each of these aspects all come together to help create the world masterpiece, Tartuffe. It is critically acclaimed as one of literature's best work due to the exalted writing of Muliére. He was able to capture and appeal to his time period faultlessly. While also excellently using the genre of comedy by his successful use of satire and the comedy of manners. With this piece of writing, readers through the centuries have been able to have insight of the Age of Elegance in Paris, France as well as have a high quality creation of a comediec play. It is a work of outstanding artistry that scholars deem as a masterpiece.