Tartuffe Influence On Religion

During the 17th century in France, the controversy over religion versus reason was especially prevalent. While religion had dominated in influence over the people for decades, the onset of the enlightenment began to open individuals minds up to reason leading to the questioning of prior beliefs. Due to religion’s major influence in France during this time, it was valued as a source of knowledge. However, with the application of reason individuals began to understand and examine the validity of the ideas they were exchanging. This was contrary to the indiscriminate acceptance of ideas that individuals had done for so long. In order to demonstrate this, Moliere wrote the play of Tartuffe in which a clear contrast is made between the emotional
In other words, Moliere uses the character of Elmire in order to portray the limitations of emotion and religion in constructing ideas. For example, Elmire is seen critiquing Tartuffe and the ideas that he conveys in justifying his actions when she comments, “It seems your heart could use a talking to-/ it’s living in the chest of someone who/ Proclaims to be pious”(34: lines 91-93). Elmire demonstrates her acknowledgement of the hypocrisy in Tartuffe’s reasoning for seducing her despite claiming to be “pious”. Thus she reveals the weaknesses in the use of religion in constructing knowledge. Although not proposing that religion is hypocritical in and of itself Moliere encourages the idea through Elmire, that religion as a justification for Tartuffe’s actions is limited. Furthermore, despite the fact that Tartuffe is acting against what is expected of religious devouts, there is no tangible way to prove or disprove his use of religion as a justification for his actions. Thus Tartuffe is able to rationalize any behavior he pleases with the use of religion, despite the fact that it may contradict normative religious teachings within the society. Moliere uses Tartuffe’s comical attempts to seduce Orgon’s wife with his indirect approval as an example of how religion allows for hypocrisy. This is because even when an idea contradicts another, it cannot be
In the text, Cleante is portrayed as the rational and logical voice of reason in the conflicts that arise out of ignorance. For instance, he tells Orgon about his foolishness when he addresses him, “And yet you see no problem in the notion/ of hypocrisy as a deep devotion.”(13: Lines 98-99). Thus Orgon demonstrates his use of reason in assessing the events of which are occurring with Tartuffe. In fact, Cleante is portrayed as one of the few individuals within the text that doesn't allow for conclusions reached through religion or emotional biases pervade how he views ideas presented by Tartuffe. Thus Cleante represents an individual that is unaffected by the devastating consequences of ignorance and therefore portrays the ideal use of reason within French society. Moliere presents this idea in such a way as to mock Orgon and emphasize his inability to adhere to reason despite being guided in the direction that Moliere deems more appropriate. Therefore Cleante is a character that is used in the play in order to demonstrate to Orgon, and thus the general French public, the rational and reasonable path in resolving a conflict that was onset due to lack of knowledge on how to approach ideas. Cleante is used in the play in order to provide a sense of clarity to Orgon as demonstrated through his attempts to shift Orgon’s view, “Instead of just admitting your