How does Moliere use irony as a tool of satire in Tartuffe? Essay

Satire is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a â€Å"literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn. † Aside from this definition, satire can also be described as a particular literary way to possibly improve humanity and the society. In Tartuffe, Moliere censures and ridicules the human behavior and features, though Moliere did these to develop his characters’ faults rather than destroying them. In a particular scene on the play, Moliere uses irony to satirize the character of Tartuffe. The play utilizes dramatic irony through Damis or Orgon concealing inside a closet or under the table while Elmire is having a conversation with Tartuffe. There are two instances of this irony. The first one was when Damis was hiding in a closet. Through this, Moliere gives the audience a glimpse of the true character of Tartuffe. Look more:  incongruity satire essay In Act II: Scene 3 of the play, while Damis was hiding, Tartuffe said â€Å"Though pious, I am none the less a man†. Also in this scene, the audience can clearly see that Tartuffe is harassing Elmire. The second instance of dramatic irony that fully exposed Tartuffe’s mask and unveiled his true character was during the fourth act when Orgon was hiding under the table while Tartuffe and Elmire were having a conversation. Believing that only the two of them was in the house, Tartuffe asked Elmire to be his â€Å"pupil† and he will teach him on how to conquer hesitation. Through this scene, the audience yet again witnesses the hypocrisy of Tartuffe. Through the use of dramatic irony, Moliere shows the audience that we can not always rely our decisions on everything based on what we only see. Moliere also depicts in his work Tartuffe that it is possible that someone we know is a complete different person than what he appears to be.