Free Paper Example: 3 Classes of Wealth in Moliere's Tartuffe

The characters in Tartuffe can be categorized into three distinct classes based on their wealth. The categories include a lower class that includes the lowly maid, Dorine, an upper class where Orgon lies, and a separate exclusive class where Tartuffe stands. Tartuffe’s class is unique and cuts across the upper and lower groupings since he asserts to have been a nobleman who lost his lands. Conversely, he feigns poverty, which would place him in the servants’ class. In actual sense, he would fall under the criminal lower class since he is a thief and a con who survives by deceiving others. The play shows that the proceeds of members of this class are short-lived. Tartuffe’s deception and attempt to take Pernelle’s properties and have the family evicted is eventually exposed, landing the conman in prison.

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In the play, members of the low class are despised even when they present the voice of reason. In Act 3, Scene 5, Dorine, Damis, and Cleante see Tartuffe’s hypocrisy and futile attempt to prove to others of his deceptive ways. Dorine makes some bold statements that would not be expected from a member of her social status. She labels Tartuffe as a bigot and a fraud besides mentioning that he is the devil. Although she is more insightful than most characters, she is constantly quietened by members of the upper class. Orgon, for instance, labels her a dunce and ignores her claims, maintaining his positive inkling of Tartuffe. As such, the play depicts members of the lower class as bearing the voice of reason. Their ears and eyes are open to various perspectives and can, therefore, quickly notice signs of deception.

Conversely, members of the upper classes are portrayed as ignorant and blinded by absolute truths. They are rash and unwilling to heed to the voice of reason, opting to hold onto their rigid beliefs. It is evident from Act 3 Scene 6 that Orgon and Pernelle hold firmly onto their biased ideas about Tartuffe and are unwilling to consider other points of view. The play depicts them are naïve and hard-headed despite having amassed much wealth. The wealthy class is easily duped due to their vehement refusal to open their eyes and ears to perspectives that contradict their beliefs. Orgon’s devotion to the deceptive man, Tartuffe, dwarfs their minds to see him as a pious man. Subsequently, they are quick to despise Dorine when she raises concerns about Tartuffe’s clever deceptions. The wealthy are therefore rigid in their views, making it easy for clever conmen to take advantage of them.

Overall, members of the upper class and criminal lower class are depicted as two-faced while low-status individuals are insightful. Tartuffe, Orgon, and Pernelle are duplicitous. Tartuffe uses religion through his clergyman’s authority and position to set up evil deals that would benefit him. Conversely, Orgon and Pernelle fail to exercise caution despite being warned by their maid about Tartuffe’s fraudulence. It would be expected that they would listen to all people and handle them with respect since they are religious. Orgon, however, openly insults Dorine when she talks of the Tartuffe’s deception. People of low status are, contrariwise, depicted as reasonable. Dorine and Damis can see Tartuffe’s real character and even attempt to inform the rest. However, no one pays heed to them due to their social status.

Examples of Irony in Tartuffe

There are several instances of irony in the play. In Scene 3 of Act 3, the irony is seen when Tartuffe uses religious dialect to legitimize his lustful feelings for Elmire. Before this scene, Elmire thought saw Tartuffe as a devout Christian, but she now sees his true wicked nature. The play includes a language that brings the contrast between Tartuffe’s sexual actions, such as placing his hands on Elmire’s knees, and his claim of religious devoutness. This scenario is immoral and unacceptable from a religious perspective, particularly coming from a clergyman. The argument that she is a God’s creation to justify sexual desires makes it worse. Besides, Tartuffe’s language indicates that his passion for the lady is superficial and not deep and pure devotion as previously intimated. The use of irony in this instance seeks to critique the religious hypocrisy that had been demonstrated throughout the play.

Another instance of irony is when Orgon talks approvingly of Tartuffe while the audience and the rest of the family know he is a fraudster. Orgon is so devoted to Tartuffe that he does not see any misgivings in his conduct. Conversely, other members of the family, including Damis and Dorine, are aware of Tartuffe’s trickery and attempt to warn Orgon of his deception. Orgon is, however, quick to dismiss their claims, labeling them as dunderheads. Equally, the audience has also become familiar with Tartuffe’s character, creating a case of dramatic irony with Orgon as the duped party. This irony seeks to bring out satire as it holds up Orgon’s folly by ridiculing his blindness. It also brings out religious hypocrisy showing how a lack of reason could lead one to be duped by deceptive religious persons.

An illustration of irony is also seen in scene 5 of Act 5. Tartuffe attempts to convince Elmire to be with him, and the lady pretends to be consenting. However, in the real sense, Elmire wants to expose his sexual inclinations to Orgon, who is hiding beneath the table. The scenario also presents dramatic irony as the audience can see Orgon while Tartuffe is unaware of his presence. Besides, it illustrates comedic irony since Orgon is forced to bear a humiliating position socially and physically that contrasts his social ranking. Despite the agreement that Orgon would get from the table when Elmire coughs, he remains under the table even after the lady coughs several times. The ironic sense of the scenario shows the naivety of the religiously duped Orgon. It shows the extent of religious hypocrisy and the extent of the deception. Orgon still approves of Tartuffe despite seeing his true character.

Furthermore, the play’s ending is ironic as it goes against the audience’s expectations. As the last act progresses, it elicits pressure build-up from the audience as it mentions a likely disaster happening. However, the arrival of the king leads to a quick resolution of the immense conflict. The king orders that Orgon will keep his belongings while Tartuffe is imprisoned. Such a single tirade was unexpected for a conflict that had been built up over five scenes. The ending could be a sign of the author’s, Moliere, boldness in criticizing the actions of those in power. The strange ending is an indictment of the king’s absolute power over society through his involvement in such a seemingly senseless act.