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A low 3.
Lots of bubbling wit and humor, countered by some humdrum politically sycophantic deus-ex-machina as weak resolution.
Lots of bubbling wit and humor, countered by some humdrum politically sycophantic deus-ex-machina as weak resolution.
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A witty and amusing play, written in verse, about a fraudster who uses feigned displays of piety to trick his host into giving him his house, his daughter's hand in marriage, and quite possibly, his own wife. Will Orgon see sense, or will Tartuffe's manipulative mask of saintliness lead him to devastation?
The Catholic Church criticised this play when it came out in the 1600s, and it was even banned for some time. I can see why, but honestly, I don't think this is attacking those who are religious whilst being kind and sincere - the play itself mentions a more understanding "middle way". Rather, it's those who manipulative beliefs for their own gain who are being criticised here. I was personally reminded of certain teleevanglists who shill fake cures and who have repeatedly been exposed as frauds - they callously abuse people's hope and faith selfishly and uncaringly for a profit.
The ending, as the book's introduction acknowledges, is something of a deus ex machina, but it is still a very enjoyable play with some very funny moments.
The Catholic Church criticised this play when it came out in the 1600s, and it was even banned for some time. I can see why, but honestly, I don't think this is attacking those who are religious whilst being kind and sincere - the play itself mentions a more understanding "middle way". Rather, it's those who manipulative beliefs for their own gain who are being criticised here. I was personally reminded of certain teleevanglists who shill fake cures and who have repeatedly been exposed as frauds - they callously abuse people's hope and faith selfishly and uncaringly for a profit.
The ending, as the book's introduction acknowledges, is something of a deus ex machina, but it is still a very enjoyable play with some very funny moments.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Tartuffe is a satirical look at religious hypocrisy. The titular character made me think of the Joel Osteens of the world, the people who build empires by exploiting the faith of the masses.
The book is short and somewhat funny, but given that I'm reading a translation, much of the humor is probably lost. I would probably have found it much funnier had I seen the play performed rather than just reading it cold, in one sitting. The whole play is in rhymed couplets which gives it a fast pace, but also a sing-song quality that takes away some of its weight.
Good, but not great (at least not in translation).
The book is short and somewhat funny, but given that I'm reading a translation, much of the humor is probably lost. I would probably have found it much funnier had I seen the play performed rather than just reading it cold, in one sitting. The whole play is in rhymed couplets which gives it a fast pace, but also a sing-song quality that takes away some of its weight.
Good, but not great (at least not in translation).
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Wow, I'm sure glad that this is absolutely irrelevant today and nothing like this has ever happened again!