Satire In Tartuffe

Reading a comedic political satire from the 17th century magnifies interest in characters, motifs, and hidden truths. Tartuffe, by Moliere, is a French farce which exemplifies as over exaggerated, critical towards the upper class, and comedic. It also ridicules religion, economics, and poverty. Tartuffe is a comedy that points out a man's imperfections and weaknesses as a subject matter for laughter and ridicule. Moliere’s unique choice of using stock characters contributes to the technical development of the work. Specifically, Dorine holds the role of the Zanni. The Zanni is the servant who gives comedic relief. Madame Pernelle fits the category of the Pantalone. The Pantalone is considered as the merchant and Madame Pernelle fits this category because despite being a woman, she is wealthy being Orgon’s mother. Orgon fits into the category of the Dottore, as he is the head of the household. On the other hand, Tartuffe is a hypocritical character identified as the Capitano of the play. He convinces Orgon and Madame Pernelle that he is a devoutly pious and …show more content…
Dorine is the person who satirically expresses much of the exasperation felt by the audience. From the beginning of the play, we become acquainted with the truth about Tartuffe through Dorine. In Act I, Scene I Dorine says, “if anyone were to listen to him and believe in his maxims, one could not do anything without committing a sin; for he controls everything, this carping critic”. Through dialogue, Dorine exposes Tartuffe to the audience. This affects our perception of Tartuffe. We become aware of who Tartuffe really is, and what his natural character is like. Taking Dorine out of the play would minimize this opportunity for us as an audience. Dorine plays a very significant role in Tartuffe; if she wasn’t apart of the play, the audience would have a harder time navigating the motif of truth within