When I read this part of the play it was like I was reading a page from my own life. Like Mariane, I have a great deal of respect and love for my mother and stepdad who have always guided me down a safe and stable path. But we disagree strongly about the boy I am dating. Tom is a kind and thoughtful person. He is a good friend and can be trusted with confidences. He and I enjoy many of the same things but each of us is willing to learn about the other’s interests and hobbies. My mom and stepdad see things differently. They pointed out that Tom and I are of different religions and from very different backgrounds. My best friend Melissa, like Dorine, can see my side of the story and agrees that I should follow my heart. But I guess ultimately I am the one who will have to live with the consequences of my actions. Am I ready to do that?
Tartuffe has completely seduced Orgon into believing that he is the most religious and devout human being in existence and believes that his charm will work on all members of Orgon’s family. Tartuffe makes a pass at Elmire, Orgon’s wife, “… it floods my heart with bliss/ To find myself alone with you like this. / For just this chance I’ve prayed with all my power/…there’s nothing I had rather do Than bare my inmost heart and soul to you ” (III, iii, 21-23, 27-28). Having professed his feelings he takes hold of her hands and presses her fingertips. When rebuked, he places his hand on her knee. Damis, Orgon’s son, tells his father of Tartuffe’s overtures. “Father...Let us advise you /... that I surprised him with your wife, and heard His whole adulterous offer ” (III, vi, 1, 7-8).
As the scene was unfolding I could feel the lecherous actions of this ungodly man. When I was at Nassau Community College last fall and then again in the spring I was stalked by a young man in my English class. Nothing has ever made me feel more uncomfortable or scared in my entire life. This guy would be standing near my car and would just stare at me. He would stand by my classroom and would just stare at me. He even once had the nerve to follow me into the Ladies Room. I told my English Professor and the campus security police. They said they would keep an eye out but could do nothing unless he actually physically attacked me or spoke to me directly. That was not very comforting because it seemed that they did not quite believe me. This sexual harassment was seduction at its worst.
Tartuffe plays the scoundrel well. When given gifts by Orgon he insists he should “… Give him less…I don’t deserve it. The half, Sir, would suffice” (I, v, 38). But Orgon does not see through these false words. Even when his son tells him of Tartuffe’s inappropriate behavior with his wife Orgon believes what he wants to. Tartuffe tells him “…Believe his story: the boy deserves your trust/…don’t be deceived by hollow shows: /I’m far, …from being what men suppose” (III, vi, 19, 24, 26). But Orgon insists that Tartuffe, is the honest and fair person he believes him to be and even gives him “…Clear deed and title to everything I own” (III, vii, 38).
This reverse psychology worked on Orgon and I hoped would work on my mom.
One day when I was shopping with my mother, I badly wanted a pair of shoes that I saw in a fashion magazine and were expensive. I knew that my mom would not pay for them and would suggest that I get another pair of shoes that was more reasonably priced. When we got to the store she did exactly as I thought. She said “no” to the pair that I wanted because she really disliked them and picked out a different pair that she thought I might like. I said fine, whatever, and put a pout on my face because I was not getting the pair that I wanted. They really were not that bad and fit better than the expensive ones but they were not the trendy new expensive ones that I had my heart set on. But she was the one using reverse psychology. She told me that I could have the more expensive ones if I really wanted them. When she relented, I felt a little guilty. I put things into perspective and smiled. I agreed to the ones she picked out because they were more comfortable and I knew that after all the other things she had gotten me for school this would add another financial burden. However, after we paid for the pair of sneakers that was less money, she surprised me by offering to buy me a special pair of designer sandals that I desperately wanted, something she was planning all along.
When Orgon finally accepts the truth about Tartuffe he must also accept the consequences of his actions. He is about to lose his estate and go to jail for keeping treasonous papers. He has decided that no one can be trusted. Cleante, Orgon’s brother-in-law, begs him not to “…jump between absurd extremes…and to … learn to distinguish virtue from pretense, / Be cautious in bestowing admiration, / And cultivate a sober moderation … to err, if err one must,/ As you have done, upon the side of trust” (V, ii, 37, 50-52, 56-57).
My mom was a single parent for more than ten years and raised three children. Every decision rested on her shoulders. There were many times when she proved to be the stabilizing force in our lives by making difficult decisions about school, dating, driving and the like. We knew we could unconditionally count on her for love and guidance. She did, however, instill in all three of us the ability to make decisions. When I first started college I enrolled at SUNY Oswego. During the summer break I was very unhappy and torn about returning to school. There were not many Long Island kids at Oswego and fewer Jewish ones. I am the kind of student who “needs” to meet with my professors to help me get on track and some would not offer alternate office hours that would not conflict with my classes. Even so, I was more worried if my mom would be disappointed in me? Would I make new friends? Would my friends that that I had to come home? Would I be embarrassed about “failing?” I expected her to order me home because my grades were not as good as I had achieved in the past. On the other hand, I thought she might order me to stay since she had spent so much time, effort, and money getting me ready for out-of-town school. Instead, she “ordered” me to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision on my own. I insisted that she tell me what to do, but she held fast and offered no answer. She told me that the decision had to be mine. But having been raised in a household with her at the helm I had the ability to make a difficult grown-up decision. I decided to come hoe. She supported my decision and that decision turned out to be exactly right for me. I know I found my niche here at C.W. Post.
Secrets can sometimes be troublesome and sometimes they are just meant to be shared between two people. When Tartuffe makes his sexual overture to Elmire, she asks him “Aren’t you afraid that I may take a notion/ To tell my husband of your warm devotion. / …But I shall be discreet about your lapse;/ I’ll tell my husband nothing of what’s occurred/If, in return, you’ll give your solemn word/ To advocate as forcefully as you can/ the marriage of Valere and Mariane”
(III, iii, 125-126, 136-140).
When I came home from camp my mom and I entered into a secret agreement. My parents decided that I should help pay for half of the repairs on my car. It needed new tires, an inspection, and a new alarm. My mom knew how hard I worked all summer and that these repairs would take a big chunk out of my salary. We agreed that I would write out a check for the amount that was due and that she would reimburse me. She knew that if I paid for the repairs that I would not be able to take care of my personal needs and school expenses and that either way she would have to subsidize me.
Orgon and his mother, Madame Pernelle, are each subjected to family pressure. Both believe in Tartuffe and will not listen to reason. As shown all along, Orgon does not want to hear any negatives about Tartuffe until his wife absolutely convinces him. But even Orgon cannot change his mother’s mind. Madame Pernelle defends Tartuffe. She will not be swayed and insists that “Till his guilt is clear, / A man deserves the benefit of the doubt. / You should have waited, to see how things turned out (V, iii, 45-47).
Peer pressure is difficult to overcome. My first real experience with peer pressure was when I was away at school. My roommate was into marijuana and tried to convince me that a joint would enhance my outlook and I would begin to relax. My other friends tried to convince me that the “bar scene” was cool and that drinking would make me less up tight. But I know for me that drugs and alcohol are not for me. I am pleased to say that I did not give into peer pressure and Yes, I am the designated driver.
As one can see, the events that the characters encounter in Moliere’s play Tartuffe are as timely today as when they were written. We can all identify and empathize in one way
or another with his characters and the situations they find themselves in. Even though Orgon seems like a weak, uncaring father and husband, he ultimately shows his true love for his family and apologizes for his poor judgment. The play is a wonderful example of family life.
Work Cited
Moliere, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, Tartuffe. The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces:
The Western Tradition, 7th ed. Vol.2: Literature of Western Culture Since the
Renaissance. Eds. Sarah Lawall and Maynared Mack: New York: W. W. Norton
& Co., 1999, 20 - 68.
