Tartuffe

“Tartuffe” was the first play that I’ve read this semester that I sincerely enjoyed reading all the way through. Not only did I find it funny and entertaining, but I also think that Moliére had many things to say and critique about society in this play, which I found fascinating. Moliére depicts society as if they are gullible and easily manipulated, which is why I can imagine that this play was controversial during its time.

            I also found that Moliére had the most interesting life out of all of the playwrights that we have read about. Going from a family attached to the court, to a “prisoner of debt,” Moliére had many unique life experiences that undoubtedly come through in his plays. It is also interesting that Moliére also acted in his own plays, and DIED on stage (such a dramatic way to go!). On a different note, I have noticed that a common feature among playwrights is that they go to university with the intention of studying something else, but eventually end up writing plays.

            One thing that I would like to learn more about in class is the process of translating plays. Although “Tartuffe” was originally written in French, the translator did a beautiful job of creating prose with great fluidity and rhythm. I wish that I had read the play out loud because I think that would have created an entirely different experience for myself.