Podcast Summary: Hardcore Literature - Ep 77: Tartuffe (Molière)
Host: Benjamin McEvoy
Release Date: July 15, 2024
Duration: [As per transcript, likely around an hour]

Introduction to Tartuffe and Its Scandal

Benjamin McEvoy opens the episode by delving into Tartuffe, a seminal play by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known as Molière. He highlights the immense scandal the play incited during its initial performance, describing it as a "physicalization of pure scandal" (00:00). McEvoy emphasizes that Tartuffe is not merely a literary work but a piece of theatrical history intertwined with themes of censorship and societal conflict.

Historical Context and Censorship

McEvoy explores the tumultuous journey of Tartuffe from its first performance at Versailles on May 12, 1664, to its subsequent banning. The original play, referred to as the "Ur Tartuffe," was swiftly banned within three days due to its provocative content (05:30). Despite the ban, the play circulated in clandestine manuscript form across Europe, often read aloud in aristocratic salons.

He discusses Molière’s repeated attempts to revive the play under different titles, such as "The Imposter," which also faced immediate censorship. It wasn't until substantial revisions were made that Tartuffe gained popularity, demonstrating that "scandal sells" as audiences flocked to see the once-banned work (15:45).

The Power Behind the Ban: The Holy Sacrament

McEvoy identifies the primary antagonists behind the banning of Tartuffe as members of La Compagnie du Saint Sacrement (The Company of the Holy Sacrament). This secret society comprised priests, nobles, officials, and magistrates dedicated to promoting a purer form of Catholicism and combating perceived religious disorder (22:10). Despite their waning influence, their targeted propaganda against Molière's play had lasting effects, keeping Tartuffe off the boards for several years even after the group's dissolution.

Molière’s Intent: Satire of Hypocrisy

The host delves into Molière’s purpose in writing Tartuffe, emphasizing the playwright’s satire of hypocrisy. He notes that while the public enjoyed the play, the backlash came from religious groups who saw themselves reflected in Tartuffe’s deceit (35:20). McEvoy cites Molière’s preface, where the playwright asserts, "If the function of comedy is to correct men's vices, I do not see why any should be exempt" (40:05). This underscores the idea that comedy serves as a tool for societal correction rather than mere entertainment.

Character Analysis: Orgone, Tartuffe, and Cleant

Orgone: The Gullible Patriarch

Orgone, played by Molière himself in the original productions, is depicted as a naive and authoritarian figure entranced by Tartuffe’s facade of piety. McEvoy explains Orgone’s motivations, revealing his ulterior motive of safeguarding incriminating documents entrusted to Tartuffe under the guise of religious trust (50:30). This blind trust leads Orgone to alienate his family, highlighting his inability to discern Tartuffe's true nature.

Tartuffe: The Charismatic Hypocrite

Tartuffe is characterized as a manipulative and gluttonous con man who feigns religious devotion to gain Orgone’s favor and material wealth. McEvoy references Richard Williams Wilbur’s translation, noting that while Tartuffe symbolizes religious hypocrisy, his character extends beyond mere hypocrisy into broader deceit and manipulation (60:15).

Cleant: The Voice of Reason

Cleant serves as the voice of reason within the play, attempting to expose Tartuffe’s duplicity and urging Orgone to see through the deception. McEvoy draws parallels between Cleant and literary figures like Mr. Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, emphasizing the role of rationality and moral integrity in combating falsehood (70:45).

Themes Explored: Hypocrisy, Deceit, and Moral Integrity

Hypocrisy as a Central Theme

McEvoy delves into the etymology of "hypocrisy," tracing its origins to the Greek hypokrisis, meaning acting on a stage, and Latin roots implying imitation. He connects this to Molière’s portrayal of Tartuffe, who exemplifies deceptive appearances versus genuine virtue (85:10). McEvoy challenges listeners to consider whether hypocrisy is an inherent trait of the human condition, facilitated by societal norms and personal insecurities.

Deceit and Manipulation

The host discusses how Tartuffe’s deceit extends beyond simple hypocrisy, embodying more complex forms of manipulation and psychological control. He references Montaigne’s disdain for lying as the worst of vices, aligning Tartuffe's actions with malicious deceit rather than mere pretense (100:25).

Moral Integrity and Self-Reflection

McEvoy reflects on Molière’s assertion that comedy can correct vices by holding a mirror to society’s flaws. He contrasts direct moral instruction with satirical portrayal, arguing that Tartuffe’s nuanced depiction of hypocrisy engages audiences more effectively in self-reflection and moral consideration (115:40).

Plot Dynamics and Character Interactions

The Cuckoldry Motif

A significant plot device in Tartuffe is the theme of cuckoldry, symbolizing Orgone's blind trust leading to domestic chaos. McEvoy explains the symbolic weight of being a "cuckold" in literature and society, drawing connections to Shakespearean themes in Othello and the societal disdain associated with it (130:50).

The Betrayal Unveiled

As the play progresses, Damis, Orgone's son, attempts to expose Tartuffe’s true nature, only to be disowned by his father. McEvoy highlights the dramatic irony and the tragic elements hidden within the comedy, noting how Tartuffe's manipulation brings the family to the brink of ruin (145:30).

Literary Devices: Deus Ex Machina and Satirical Irony

McEvoy scrutinizes the play’s conclusion, where King Louis XIV intervenes to arrest Tartuffe, resolving the conflict in a classic example of Deus Ex Machina. He debates whether this device serves as genuine resolution or a satirical critique of royal intervention in societal matters (160:05). McEvoy suggests that the king’s intervention might be ironic, reflecting Molière's complex relationship with authority and censorship.

Comparative Analysis with Other Literary Works

Shakespearean Parallels

Drawing parallels with Shakespeare, McEvoy compares Tartuffe’s deceit to characters like Iago in Othello and highlights the universal themes of trust and betrayal that transcend time and culture (175:20).

Connections to Jane Austen and Modern Literature

He connects Tartuffe to Jane Austen’s exploration of social hypocrisy in Pride and Prejudice, emphasizing the timeless relevance of these themes in literary discourse (180:45).

Philosophical and Ethical Reflections

The Nature of Virtue and Vice

McEvoy engages in a philosophical discussion about Aristotle’s concept of virtue as a mean between extremes, using Tartuffe’s characters to illustrate excess and deficiency in moral behavior (195:10). He contemplates whether moderation is underrepresented in dramatic literature and its importance in personal and societal ethics.

The Reforming Power of Art

Addressing Molière’s belief in comedy’s ability to reform human vices, McEvoy debates the effectiveness of satire versus direct moral instruction, pondering the transformative potential of engaging narratives (210:30). He asserts that while art can facilitate profound self-reflection, it may not always lead to immediate change in behavior.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

McEvoy wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Tartuffe and its significance in contemporary literary studies. He encourages listeners to identify and articulate the thesis statements within literary works, advocating for a deeper engagement with literature to uncover its philosophical and ethical dimensions (230:15).

He invites the audience to join the Hardcore Literature Book Club for further discussions and read-throughs of classic and modern works, highlighting resources available on patreon.com/hardcoreliterature. McEvoy closes with a heartfelt thank you to listeners, emphasizing the collective effort to keep great literature alive and relevant.

Notable Quotes with Attribution

1. Professor (Benjamin McEvoy) at [00:00]:

   "What we have in our hands, when we pour over the script of Tartuffe, is a physicalization of pure scandal."

2. Molière’s Preface at [40:05]:

   "If the function of comedy is to correct men's vices, I do not see why any should be exempt."

3. Dorin’s Observation at [130:50]:

   "Such pride goes ill with piety. A man whose spirit spurns this dungy earth ought not to brag of lands and noble birth."

4. Cleant’s Reasoning at [175:20]:

   "Leave vengeance to the Lord. How can you not be rational?"

5. Professor (Benjamin McEvoy) at [210:30]:

   "The reforming power of art is most certainly there."

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Recommended Film: A 2007 biopic of Molière that blends elements of his life with scenes from his plays.
• Other Lectures:
  • Measure for Measure by Shakespeare
  • The Misanthrope by Molière
  • The Learned Ladies and The School for Wives by Molière
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  • Upcoming read-throughs of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

Listeners are encouraged to visit patreon.com/hardcoreliterature to access the full suite of lectures and joining the book club for an immersive literary experience.

Time References

For ease of navigation, here are key timestamps linked to specific sections:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Tartuffe and its scandal
• 05:30 – Historical context and censorship
• 15:45 – Revival and public reception
• 22:10 – The Holy Sacrament's role in banning the play
• 35:20 – Molière’s satire of hypocrisy
• 40:05 – Molière’s preface quotes
• 50:30 – Character analysis: Orgone
• 60:15 – Character analysis: Tartuffe
• 70:45 – Character analysis: Cleant
• 85:10 – Themes: Hypocrisy
• 100:25 – Themes: Deceit and manipulation
• 115:40 – Themes: Moral integrity
• 130:50 – Plot dynamics: Cuckoldry motif
• 145:30 – Betrayal and dramatic irony
• 160:05 – Literary devices: Deus Ex Machina
• 175:20 – Comparative literary analysis
• 180:45 – Connections to Jane Austen
• 195:10 – Philosophical reflections on virtue
• 210:30 – The reforming power of art
• 230:15 – Conclusion and final thoughts

Note: This summary captures the essence and key discussions from Benjamin McEvoy’s in-depth analysis of Tartuffe in Hardcore Literature’s Episode 77. For a more immersive understanding, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.