Symbolism In Tartuffe

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if someone is being genuine or are just showing you a certain side of them in order to benefit themselves. We see this occur in “Tartuffe”, a play written by Moliere, where Tartuffe gives off this image of being such a pious man. He is accepted into the household because Madame Pernell and Orgon mostly care about how outsiders perceive them. However, at some point the truth comes out and people see the real you. In this comedy of manners play, Moliere tries to show how during this time their culture being superficial is what they are concerned about the most.
Since Tartuffe is such a “religion man,” Madame Pernell believes he is guiding everyone the way to heaven. Madame Pernell is not a pious woman herself, but she wants to make people believe they are a holy family because this great man Tartuffe is bringing structure to the family. She says, “Carriages and horses, constant chatter; What must the neighbors think these things matter” (146)? In Act I Scene I, we can already see how important it is to her for how
In Act II Scene IV, she speaks to Valere about the conversation she has with her father and he then proceeds by saying “I advise your to marry Tartuffe..tonight” (164). As long as Valere shows he isn't bothered externally, everything is fine. He's showing this side to hide that he is weak and too caring about the situation. He is portraying to be very excited for her and wants her to marry him as soon as possible. Mariane then says, “I’ll follow your suggestion and rejoice”(164). Mariane is all of a sudden showing great joy with Valere’s response. Since Valere isn't fighting for their love, Mariane is not showing she cares too much so she follows by showing insincerity. Valere is letting such a big deal like marriage get ruined. This is showing Valere as being superficial. He shows little interest in something that is so important like