Hypocrite defines a person who asserts or pretends to hold certain beliefs, values, feelings, viewpoints, behaviors and virtues, but acts, in a way that contradicts these principles. In essence, it means the practice of participating in a similar behavior that a person criticizes others for. In Moliere’s play Tartuffe, the main character Tartuffe behaves in a hypocritical manner. Tartuffe introduces himself to the Orgon’s family as a religious man who lives in holiness and zeal. As a religious man, Tartuffe especially impresses Orgon and his mother Pernelle as a man of character who follows through his words. However, it becomes clear that he is a hypocrite as he begins by seducing Orgon’s wife and daughter. When he is caught in such acts, he uses religious clichés to convince the family of his morality. Orgon had entrusted secret documents to Tartuffe, and Tartuffe uses this authority to denounce Orgon, who had housed him while others refused to believe in him. He tried to have Orgon and his family evicted from their home so that he can take over (Wilbur, 1963, p. 65).

An imposter describes an individual who takes on false identity or title for the sole purpose of deception. It means a person who pretends to be someone he/she is not especially for deceitful gain. In the play, Tartuffe represents an imposter because he deceives the Orgon family in order to take over their house. He steals secret documents from Orgon and uses them to try and take over Orgon’s house as his own. Additionally, it is revealed that Tartuffe is a criminal who changes his name often to deceive innocent people. Tartuffe is an imposter who uses a false identity of a religious man to gain people’s trust and steals from them (Wilbur, 1963, p. 65).

A Doll House by Ibsen includes many symbols that help in enhancing the play. Nora herself represents an important symbol in the entire play as she is treated like a doll. He husband Torvald ensures full control of Nora by treating her like a child instead of a wife. In most parts of the play, Torvald refers to Nora with childish names such as “little song-bird” or even “squirrel” to denote his control over her. Torvald also dresses Nora in a playful and captivating dress that reflects his desire to have her dependent on him always (Ibsen, 2009, p. 10).

The Christmas tree represents another symbol in the play as it portrays the life of Nora. A Christmas tree is something that appear nice and captivating to the eyes. The tree and Nora become symbols to be dressed or decorated for others to admire. The similarities between the tree and Nora become evident because as the tree becomes messy, so does the life of Nora (Ibsen, 2009, p. 15).

The Tarantella dance becomes another symbol as it shows Nora inner struggle. Nora performs the Tarantella in a wild style that displeases Torvald as a symbol of her breaking through to find her freedom. She rebels against Torvalds control and this wildness culminates at the end of the play when Nora comes to the realization that she had been his doll for many years, and decides to leave him (Ibsen, 2009, p. 13).

References

Ibsen, H. (2009). A Doll’s House. Rockville, Maryland: Arc Manor LLC.

Wilbur, R. (1963). Tartuffe; Comedy in Five Acts, 1669.San Diego, California: Harcourt, Brace & World.