IntroductionMoliere's Tartuffe, first performed in 1664, is a classic piece of French literature that addresses themes of hypocrisy , deception and manipulation. The play revolves around the character of Tartuffe, a cunning imposter who poses as a pious and devout man to exploit Orgon, a wealthy but gullible gentleman. Through the deceptive machinations of Tartuffe, Molière explores the dynamics of manipulation, the susceptibility of individuals to deception, and the resulting chaos within family and societal structures. This essay examines how manipulation functions as a central mechanism in Tartuffe, impacting characters' relationships, revealing societal flaws, and ultimately serving as a vehicle for Molière's critique of religious hypocrisy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Body Paragraph The central figure of manipulation in Tartuffe is, of course, Tartuffe himself. His ability to deceive Orgon and the other members of the house is rooted in his talent for piety and humility, which contrasts sharply with his true nature. Tartuffe's manipulation is evident from the start when he sneaks around Orgon by feigning extreme religiosity. Orgon, blinded by his own desire for spiritual guidance and comfort, becomes an easy target for Tartuffe's plans. This manipulation is so effective that Orgon prioritizes Tartuffe over the well-being of his own family, as shown by his decision to marry his daughter Mariane to Tartuffe against her will. Tartuffe's control over Orgon illustrates how manipulative individuals exploit the vulnerabilities of others to achieve their ends. Additionally, Tartuffe's manipulation extends beyond individual relationships to highlight larger societal issues. Molière uses Tartuffe to criticize the credulity of people who blindly trust external manifestations of piety. Orgon's unwavering belief in the sanctity of Tartuffe, despite clear evidence to the contrary, reflects a societal tendency to equate religious appearance with moral integrity. This theme is particularly poignant given the historical context of Tartuffe's initial reception, where Molière faced negative reactions from religious authorities who viewed the play as an attack on the Church. Through Tartuffe's manipulations, Molière exposes the dangers of religious hypocrisy and the potential for exploitation under the guise of devotion. The consequences of Tartuffe's manipulation come to a head as the play progresses, leading to a series of disturbances within the household of Orgon. Orgon's family, particularly his wife Elmire and son Damis, recognize Tartuffe's deception but have difficulty convincing Orgon of the truth. Elmire's strategic maneuver to expose Tartuffe's true intentions by orchestrating a private meeting where Orgon can witness Tartuffe's advances illustrates how far the family must go to combat manipulation. This scene highlights the tension between appearance and reality, a recurring motif in the play. Ultimately, it is the revelation of Tartuffe's duplicity that restores order, but not without significant unrest and distress caused by his manipulative tactics. ConclusionKeep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. is a powerful exploration of manipulation and its ramifications in personal and societal contexts. Through the character of..