Lesson 11

I don’t believe that Tartuffe is actually anti-religious. While the play does point out a lot of issues with clergy and how they can abuse their power its true purpose to teach men the issues of hypocrisy. To further this claim Cleante warns Orgon not to be angry at the truly pious men, but at the hypocrite Tartuffe for taking advantage of their worth.

There are major differences from Dantes version of Satan to Victor Hugo’s portrayal. For Dante Satan is the embodiment of evil and seems to be a mindless monster. In Victor Hugo’s Ex nox Facta est we see a different portrayal of Satan pertaining to his fall. This version of Satan is much more humanlike, showing remorse, “the rebel then knew regret.’ Satan in this portrayal certainly undergoes a hero’s journey during his fall; he starts with his transformation from angel to demon. By the time he reaches the end of his journey he has completed his transformation by allowing himself to be consumed by anger and resentment of his punishment.

I thought the difference in imagery from the Silesian Weavers and The Village Saturday was interesting. When reading the Silesian Weavers you can tell that Heine is taking on a very utilitarian point of view of society, while Leopardi seems to take a very individualist approach. I enjoyed the message of The Village Saturday, it painted a nice picture of society, and warns its reader take advantage of the time given to you. The Silesian Weavers gives a different look of society, in which its people are abused and mistreated. But both leave the reader with the call to seize the day.

One thought on “Lesson 11

  1. emrickrachel

    I agree that Tartuffe is not anti-religion, but more of a warning against the possible implications of blind faith in religious leaders.

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