Tartuffe Analysis

Tartuffe Analysis Prior to and during the development of Tartuffe there were many occurrences that shaped theatre. In 1660, theatres open up again after 18 years of being closed by English Parliament. Charles II, who allowed the theatres to reopen, also allowed for the first time in history, women were permitted on the stage. Aphra Behn, who was born in 1640, would become the first professional female playwright. Female playwrights would soon become more common in 1695. During this time of theatre development, the English colony of America was just being settled with the voyage of the Mayflower. But in England in 1665, the Great Plague of London would occur, causing King Charles II to flee. The plague was estimated to kill about 200,000
Pernelle is convinced that Tartuffe is an honorable gentleman, while Orgon’s children believe Tartuffe to be deceitful. Orgon decides to stop the planned marriage between his daughter Mariane and her fiancé Valere, so that Mariane can marry Tartuffe. Mariane is upset, but is aided by the family servant Dorine, who creates a plan to expose Tartuffe. As part of the plan, Elmire, Orgon’s wife, meets Tartuffe, who then attempts to seduce her. Damis, Orgon’s only son, spied on the entire conversation and confronts Tartuffe directly. When Orgon arrives, Damis tells Orgon of Tartuffe’s attempted adultery. Orgon refuses to believe this and disowns Damis, and names Tartuffe to inherit his property. In order to stop the marriage between Mariane and Tartuffe, Elmire decides to seduce Tartuffe while Orgon is hiding under a table to expose Tartuffe’s true intentions to Orgon. The plan works, but Tartuffe who now has Orgon’s property rights, decides to evict the family from the house while blackmailing Orgon. Tartuffe’s revenge plot backfires and he is eventually arrested. In the end, Mariane is able to marry