I have absolutely loved studying this play. I typically have a really difficult time reading scripts like this simply because this isn't exactly their intended format, but Tartuffe was a really fun read for me, except for towards the end when Tartuffe started getting way sleazier than normal. However, that is beside the point.
The point of this blog post is that Elmire is actually Superwoman. I really don't know what I would have done if I had been in her position, but I certainly would not have handled it with the same poise and dignity that she does. I adore the way that she staged this confrontation with Tartuffe so Orgon could finally see his true colors.
Part of what is so commendable to me about Elmire in this situation is her willingness to trust Orgon in Act IV despite the fact that he has made approximately zero sense for the duration of the play thus far. He has jeopardized the safety of his wife and children for the sake of this hypocritical stranger, and yet Elmire still says that he will end the confrontation at his discretion. That absolutely blew my mind, and quite frankly I was worried that he would keep the wool over his eyes and let Tartuffe take advantage of his wife. But Elmire continued to place trust in Orgon despite his mistakes, and it works out brilliantly. He's finally able to see the truth about Tartuffe, and it was largely due to Elmire's willingness to risk her comfort for the greater good. This is an area in which I am lacking, and I found myself inspired by her devotion to the truth. She also remains fairly composed throughout the duration of her conversation with Tartuffe in Act IV, and things he says to her would make anyone uncomfortable or even scared. I can't imagine that she expected Tartuffe to want to escalate the situation so quickly, but her composure is unwavering in the face of extreme discomfort.
Elmire is a really refreshing picture of what it looks like to be a strong woman, which is something I didn't expect to see in an Enlightenment-era French satire concerning religious fanaticism, but, boy am I glad I did. Her steadfast pursuit of the truth is something that I found to be greatly admirable, and she has earned her title as my favorite character in this whole play.
breanna & luke
The point of this blog post is that Elmire is actually Superwoman. I really don't know what I would have done if I had been in her position, but I certainly would not have handled it with the same poise and dignity that she does. I adore the way that she staged this confrontation with Tartuffe so Orgon could finally see his true colors.
Part of what is so commendable to me about Elmire in this situation is her willingness to trust Orgon in Act IV despite the fact that he has made approximately zero sense for the duration of the play thus far. He has jeopardized the safety of his wife and children for the sake of this hypocritical stranger, and yet Elmire still says that he will end the confrontation at his discretion. That absolutely blew my mind, and quite frankly I was worried that he would keep the wool over his eyes and let Tartuffe take advantage of his wife. But Elmire continued to place trust in Orgon despite his mistakes, and it works out brilliantly. He's finally able to see the truth about Tartuffe, and it was largely due to Elmire's willingness to risk her comfort for the greater good. This is an area in which I am lacking, and I found myself inspired by her devotion to the truth. She also remains fairly composed throughout the duration of her conversation with Tartuffe in Act IV, and things he says to her would make anyone uncomfortable or even scared. I can't imagine that she expected Tartuffe to want to escalate the situation so quickly, but her composure is unwavering in the face of extreme discomfort.
Elmire is a really refreshing picture of what it looks like to be a strong woman, which is something I didn't expect to see in an Enlightenment-era French satire concerning religious fanaticism, but, boy am I glad I did. Her steadfast pursuit of the truth is something that I found to be greatly admirable, and she has earned her title as my favorite character in this whole play.
breanna & luke
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