The play Tartuffe by Moliere portrays situations that reflect both society and my own experiences. These situations involve seduction, reverse psychology, domestic authority, obedience and defiance towards parents, secret agreements, and peer pressure. Seduction is defined as the act of enticing someone away from proper conduct. This theme is prominently presented in Tartuffe as Tartuffe seduces multiple characters. One instance of this occurs when he advises Dorine to conceal her chest because impure thoughts are hard to control and can corrupt the soul (III, ii, 8-10).
This particular scene reminds me of a personal incident in which I faced a similar situation. While I was working one day, a supervisor criticized my V-neck shirt for being inappropriate and suggested that I wear a shirt with a higher neckline instead. I found this odd since the
...store had provided me with that very shirt which is also worn by my colleagues. Although it fits slightly differently due to my larger chest size and reveals slightly more skin compared to others', it is still part of our uniform. When I confronted the supervisor about this discrepancy, they became defensive and embarrassed.
Based on my personal experience, I view the incident with him as an instance of sexual harassment and an effort to manipulate me through seduction. It appeared that he was employing reverse psychology by agreeing with my objection in order to exert control over me. This approach is reminiscent of Tartuffe's behavior in the play when discussing Elmire with Orgon. In one particular scene, Tartuffe says, "I shall avoid your wife, and keep away..." (III, vii, 31), and Orgon responds by stating, "No, you shall not, whatever they
may say. / It pleases me to vex them, and for spite / I'd have them see you with her day and night." (III, vii, 32-34)
Tartuffe successfully convinces Orgon to give his endorsement and consent so that he can openly spend time with Elmire. Similarly, I encountered a similar tactic while shopping alongside my mother. There was a pair of expensive shoes featured in a fashion magazine that caught my attention. However, knowing that my mom wouldn't be willing to pay for them and would suggest a more reasonably priced alternative instead. As expected when we reached the store she declined buying the pair I desired because she disliked them but selected a different pair she thought I might appreciate.
Initially, I sulked with a pouty face because I didn't get the pair of shoes I wanted. However, upon realizing they weren't so bad and actually fit better than the expensive ones I desired, I acknowledged that they lacked the trendiness I had my heart set on. Nevertheless, my companion cleverly employed reverse psychology by informing me that if those were truly what I desired, then I could have the pricier ones. This tactic made me feel somewhat guilty. After putting things into perspective, I smiled and agreed to the shoes we selected. Considering all the other things she had already purchased for school, this addition would only increase our financial burden.
However, after I accepted the pair that was less money, my mom surprised me by offering to buy me a special pair of designer sandals that I desperately wanted, something she was planning all along. Head of Household. "One having the power to lead by
example. One making decisions for the household." Orgon plays the part of being the boss very well when he says, "... I shall defy you all, and make is clear / that I'm the one who gives the orders here..." (III, vi, 57-58) Being the head of the household is a part my mom had to play. For more than ten years she was a single parent raising three children.
She bore the weight of all decisions, consistently serving as our stable point in life. From selecting schools to matters of love and driving, she fearlessly made tough choices on our behalf. We always knew we could count on her for affection and direction. However, it is worth mentioning that we didn't always agree with her perspective. One specific incident stands out - when I had to decide whether or not to continue my education at SUNY Oswego. Throughout summer break, I felt extremely discontented and torn about going back to school.
Would I disappoint her? Would I make new acquaintances? Would my peers think I had to return home? Would I feel ashamed of "failing"? Anticipating her command for me to come back due to my lower grades compared to previous achievements, I also considered the possibility that she might order me to stay since she had invested considerable time, effort, and money in preparing me for a school outside our town. However, instead of giving a clear directive, she “ordered” me to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages myself. Despite my insistence on receiving guidance from her, she remained steadfast and provided no answer. She emphasized that the decision ultimately rested with me. Raised under her
leadership at home, however, I possessed the capacity to make a challenging adult choice. Consequently, I opted to return home.
She supported my decision, and that decision turned out to be right for me. The conflict within Mariane is whether to obey or disobey - "To do what one is told or go against it." She is unsure whether to follow her heart and disregard her father's wishes, or obey her father and not be with the man she loves. In Act 2, Scene 3, she confides in Dorine about her true feelings for Valere. Although she loves him deeply, she doesn't want to defy her father's desires. This particular scene reflects the same inner conflict I experience within myself. I frequently discuss the person I am dating with my best friend Melissa.
I express my deep affection for him and the immense joy I feel when we are together. However, I am torn because I do not want to go against or upset my mother, who disapproves of our relationship due to his different religion. She has also raised other concerns that she believes would eventually lead to my unhappiness. Melissa advises me in a similar way to how Dorine advises Mariane, suggesting that I should follow my heart. Ultimately, it is my decision to live with, not my mother's. Nonetheless, I acknowledge that I will have to face the consequences of my choices. Am I ready for that?
A covert agreement involves discussing a problem with someone and finding a compromise that satisfies everyone involved while keeping the agreement hidden from others.
"Elmire and Tartuffe form a clandestine pact. They discuss matters related to marriage and seduction...
"If you conceal your actions,/ My husband won't uncover your deception./ And in return, you must pledge/ To wholeheartedly support/ Valere and Mariane's union,/ And let their happiness shine through,/ So that..." (III, iii, 136-143) My mom and I have made a confidential agreement.
My parents and I reached an agreement that I would contribute towards half of the car repairs. As part of the agreement, I would write the check for the amount and then be reimbursed by my parents. It was clear to them that covering the repair costs would leave me unable to meet my personal needs and education expenses. This decision pleased my step-dad, who saw it as an opportunity for me to learn the value of paying for my own necessities.
Peer Pressure. It refers to the influence exerted by others in attempting to sway one's thoughts or actions. In the play, Orgon and Madame Pernelle resist succumbing to peer pressure as their family members try to alter their perceptions and feelings towards Tartuffe.
Throughout the play, the family attempts to reveal to Orgon the true nature of Tartuffe. It is not until the fifth and sixth scenes of Act 4 that Orgon witnesses and hears the truth about Tartuffe himself. He succumbs to the influence of his peers. Conversely, Madame Pernelle resists succumbing to peer pressure and believes that Tartuffe is a great asset to the family. She states, "...I'll never bring myself to think him guilty of such a thing." (V, iii, 17-18) Peer pressure is an everyday occurrence in today's society. My initial encounter with peer pressure was during my time away at school.
Despite my roommate's persuasion to try marijuana
and my friends urging me to drink at bars, I remained resolute in my belief that drugs and alcohol were not the right path for me. Thankfully, I did not succumb to peer pressure and instead took on the responsible role of designated driver. It is evident that the situations faced by the characters in Moliere's play Tartuffe remain relevant today. We can all relate and empathize with these characters and their experiences in some way or another.
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