Neo-Classical ideals represented in Moliere's Tartuffe

A detailed Summary of Neo-Classical ideals represented in Moliere's Tartuffe

In Moliere's play Tartuffe, we can see several examples of Neo-classical drama conventions being employed very effectively by the author. These conventions follow the return of classical ideas, and served as guidelines from literature to theater, as well as everyday life. Listed below are a few examples of these conventions used by Moliere in Tartuffe.

Reason and logic are of the highest importance in Neo-classical ideals, and Neo-classicals thought that by using these powers they could understand the universe and even understand God, too. Moliere used stock characters to represent the reasonable or rational thinking needed for common sense to prevail. In Tartuffe, the reason comes from Elmire, Cleante, and Damis. These characters either see through Tartuffe, or expose him for the hypocrite that he is.

Such is the case with Elmire, Orgon's wife,who meets Tartuffe to beg him to refuse a marriage with her daughter-in-law. Tartuffe, believing they are alone, proposes a love affair to the wife of his benefactor. Orgon's son, Damis, steps from a closet where he has been hiding during the interview, just as Orgon enters the room. Damis exposes Tartuffe for the scoundrel he is. Orgon, however, refuses to believe either

Reason and logic implies order or pattern, and the Neo-classicals tried to organize society and their own lives in a highly ordered way. This is also reflected in Moliere's play Tartuffe. The order and pattern come from the three unities of action, place, and time. Plot is the action, so it means that the play has only one plot. The play also takes place in one locale.(Paris.) The rules of unity required that the action of the play take place in a single day's time or a twenty-four hour period.

In contrast to the lighthearted disarming subjects of the Rococo style was the return to noble, serious themes, and public sacrifice. This was a return to the ancient classical themes of Greece and Rome, or Neo-classical themes. This was partly in response to the French Revolutionary spirit as artists gained political purpose. In the work of Jacques-Louis David, a painter who also played an active role in politics, we can see how this Neo-classicism and Revolutionary spirit are linked. This is most evident in his brilliant masterpiece Oath of Horatii, where we see three brothers making an oath to their father to defend the homeland, most likely resulting in their death. This sisters are shown in the corner sad but accepting, depicting an honorable and noble scene. Another famous Neo-Classical artist is

Some common words found in the essay are:
Tartuffe Reason, Elmire Orgon's, Fragonard's Swing, , Bowles Dog, Oath Horatii, Elmire Instead, Marie Antoinette, God Moliere, Embarkation Cythera, tartuffe reason, moliere's play tartuffe, allowing tartuffe, moliere's play, neo-classicals using, son damis, rococo style, individual society, reason logic, revolutionary spirit, refined quality, tartuffe reason logic,

Approximate Word count = 883
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English