The Triumph of Justice: Resolving the Dangers in Tartuffe

👑The King's intervention saves Orgon from imprisonment and resolves the dangers he and his family face.

💼Tartuffe's true nature as a criminal is revealed, leading to his own arrest instead of Orgon's.

🙏The deus ex machina device is employed, where an outside force (the King) swoops in and saves the day.

🎭Moliere incorporates dramatic devices from ancient Greek plays, such as the crane lifting a god over the stage in deus ex machina.

📜Moliere also uses the messenger speech device to praise the King's intelligence and piety, which can be interpreted as verbal irony.

What is the climax of Tartuffe?

—The climax of Tartuffe is when the King intervenes and saves Orgon from imprisonment, restoring his property and bringing down Tartuffe.

What is deus ex machina?

—Deus ex machina is a dramatic device used in ancient Greek plays, where an outside force or god resolves the plot and saves the protagonist.

Why does the police officer arrest Tartuffe instead of Orgon?

—The police officer arrests Tartuffe instead of Orgon because the King immediately saw through Tartuffe's deception and recognized him as a wanted criminal.

What are some dramatic devices used in Tartuffe?

—Some dramatic devices used in Tartuffe include deus ex machina, where the King saves Orgon, and the messenger speech, where the police officer praises the King's decision.

What is the significance of the King's intervention in Tartuffe?

—The King's intervention in Tartuffe is significant as it symbolizes the triumph of justice and the downfall of Tartuffe, resolving the dangers faced by Orgon and his family.

00:00[Music]

00:09In Act five scene six of Tartuffe, Villere brings bad news to the family.

00:15Tartuffe has shown the contents of the strongbox to the King, leading to a warrant for Orgon's arrest.

00:36Tartuffe arrives with a police officer to announce Orgon's imprisonment by order of the King.

01:14The police officer arrests Tartuffe instead of Orgon, revealing Tartuffe as a fraudulent member of the clergy.

01:26The dangers facing Orgon and his family are wiped away thanks to the King's intervention.

01:27The King's intervention is an example of deus ex machina, a device frequently used in ancient Greek plays.

01:47The police officer gives a long speech, incorporating the messenger speech device used in ancient Greek drama.