Analysis of Tartuffe by Moliere - Essay Example

Tartuffe, also known as The Imposter, is one of the most popular theatrical comedies by Moliere (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), having performed in 1664. Despite the movie being  The religious elements of the play that are being satirized are many and include the office of the clergy itself (Tartuffe portrays himself as a religious devotee and a spiritual authority to seduce Elmire and to foil Valère’s plans to marry Mariane); the spiritual authority that is due to the office of the clergy (it is by this virtue that Orgon does not question anything that Tartuffe does, as can be seen in Act 1, Scene 5); being obedient and trusting to spiritual authority (Orgon is too trusting to appreciate the reality that Tartuffe is sexually interested in his wife and even legally entrusts his house and belongings to Tartuffe); and confession of sins (Orgon, most likely in an act of confession, had handed a box of incriminating letters to Tartuffe) (Heather, et al, 75).

Other aspects of Neo-Classical life that Moliere is satirizing are the absolute authority of the monarchy and the hierarchical nature of the French Catholic Church. The absolute authority of the monarchy is underscored by King Louis XIV calling for the arrest of Tartuffe. He is thus the king and the head of public prosecution, yet there should be a separation of powers. The hierarchical and imposing nature of the French Catholic Church is exemplified by the Archbishop of Paris issuing an edict to the effect that anyone who read or watched Tartuffe would be excommunicated.

 It is agreeable that an important part of the two writers we have read can be called “Social Critics” since they have addressed practices and developments which materialize within the auspices of society, with the main aim of bringing socio-economic and political emancipation. For instance, Tartuffe presents a society with the need to check against blind religious fanaticism and ignorance and to guard against the excesses of religious and political power.