Contrast Orgon and Tartuffe
Tartuffe is self-centered, while Orgon is concerned about Tartuffe. As depicted in the play, Orgon arrives home, and the attention is on Tartuffe, where he enquires of his health. The fact that Orgon ignores the report about his wife’s indisposition and concentrates on Tartuffe’s welfare shows that he truly loved and cared about him. He feels that the best person around him is Tartuffe. This is manifested when Orgon instructs her daughter to regard Tartuffe as a very worthy man, and she would admire marrying him. Orgon adds that he would like Tartuffe to marry Marianne. In contrast, Tartuffe perfectly analyses the flaws of his target and uses them to establish himself and take his advantage.
Orgon is ignorant while Tartuffe is not. Tartuffe uses every opportunity to bring success to himself. Orgon would not take the words solemn that he was told against Tartuffe and always stood to defend him. It was not wise for Orgon to take the warnings given against his servant lightly, but he was supposed to carry out some investigations before things would get worse. He always saw Tartuffe as the most religious creature he ever knew, and that boosted the trust and belief. He never gave an eye on the saying when the deal is too good think twice. However, Tartuffe was always alert and was never ignorant of any issue. He ever made sure that he was safe and benefiting in his way. This is depicted from the quick actions that he took after realizing that all was not well and decided to denounce Orgon to serve the king.
Tartuffe betrayed Orgon while Orgon trusted and defended him. Orgon could never listen to any critics directed to Tartuffe. He believed in him and trusted him as a religious man. Cleante had tried to make Orgon think otherwise on Tartuffe but never worked as Orgon regarded Tartuffe as an excellent man. Tartuffe is never loyal to his boss and always goes behind his back. He is unable to control his lust that drives to the unmasking of his hypocrisy. Contrary, Orgon is loyal to his king, and it is his loyalty that saves him from the trouble that he was put into by Tartuffe. Orgon would like Tartuffe to marry a good lady, while Tartuffe is concentrating on showing professional love to Orgon’s wife. In act iii scene 3-4, we find Tartuffe taking the advantage by inquiring about the health condition of Elmire and compliment her. Tartuffe was very tactical in luring and needed to have a confidential talk with Elmire.
Orgon is influenced by the fact that Tartuffe seems to be religious and ethical in behaviors, but Tartuffe does not do good to show appreciation to Orgon. Orgon is ready to accept many Christian doctrines and confesses that Tartuffe is the man who has taught him through his religious values. He converts to be a firm believer, and this is depicted in his statement where he says that even the death of his family would not matter him as he is freed from earthly ties. Tartuffe drives Orgon into trouble by denouncing him as a traitor. Besides, Tartuffe is a liar, but Orgon is true. He uses lies to try and have an escape route for his wrong did and claims to be loyal to the king. However, Orgon is lucky to have a wise and reasoning king.
In conclusion, Tartuffe is an excellent play created by Moliere. The study focuses on analyzing the two characters that are Tartuffe and Orgon. The two characters have some similarities and also differences. Most of the character traits in Orgon are absent in Tartuffe. The play has different themes that are important in the current society that shows the importance of loyalty and being truthful. Also, the play has a teaching that is well delivered by Tartuffe that a slight temptation such as lust can affect the whole life of a human being. Besides, Orgon demonstrates that when you are right and pure, you can never be affected by false allegations. The play is essential to the authorities and judges as it shows that not every statement is true. If it was not for the wise king, Orgon’s life could be sour for the rest of his life.