Comparing Tartuffe 'And Pyrgopolynices'

Another distinguishing aspect between the two is that Tartuffe appears dangerous, while Pyrgopolynices is relatively harmless. Pyrgopolynice’s stupidity and cowardice make him unlikely to conduct any worthwhile plots. Tartuffe, on the other hand, is crafty enough to swindle Orgon out of his land and fortunes. Admitting his ability to manipulate Orgon, Tartuffe explains, “Between ourselves, that man can be led by the nose.And I’ve made sure he won’t believe the things he sees” (Moliere 15223-25). This admission of his manipulation distinguishes Tartuffe as a more malicious character than Pyrgopolynices. Pyrgopolynices presents as a nuisance, as his slaves fluff his ego in order to eat well, whereas Tartuffe is a legitimate threat. After Pyrgopolynices

This reaction displays how Tartuffe manifests as an eviler and more manipulative alazon, whereas Pyrgopolynies presents as the typical dolt. However, it is important to note that Pyrgopolynices is relatively harmless, not entirely harmless. Palaestrio worries before his plan is executed, “If the Captain smells a rat, we are done for it,” conveying how there is still risk involved in plotting against Pyrgopolynices (Plautus 199). Their varying degree of villainy aside, both undoubtedly occupy the role of the antihero in their respective works. Moreover, despite these distinguishing features, the foundation of the alazon remains visible in both Pyrgopolynices and Tartuffe. Collington argues that when analyzing a certain character type, “each work has distinctive features, but a generic outline remains visible” creating a “flexible skeleton” through which similarities can be drawn

Plautus conveys this critical message at the end of the play, as Pyrgopolynices solemnly states, “Justice has been done. Serve all lechers so, and lechery will grow less rife,” calling for reform of these vices (Plautus 212). Moliere uses Tartuffe in the same vein, though with a different target in mind. Tartuffe’s role in the work is to satirize religious hypocrisy that was prevalent in the 17th century. He criticizes blind devotion to religious officials who he perceived behaved hypocritically. Like Plautus, the play concludes with a lighter message regarding his targeted criticism. A servant’s sentiments reverberate this, “May he reform his life, and lead a better one,” displaying Moliere’s call for reform of impostors like Tartuffe in society (Moliere 1953). In conclusion, in both works, the function of the alazon, as analysis of Pyrgopolynices and Tartuffe displays, is for satirical purpose. Moreover, although Tartuffe and Pyrgopolynices vary in some aspects, like their degree of villainy and humble ends, at their core, they are foundationally the same. The two share the same three principal characteristics of boastfulness, vanity, and