In both Encyclopedie and Tartuffe, women are regarded as equals with men. In the Encyclopedie, Diderot and D’Alembert examined the concept of a wife and her role in a marriage. Because this was written during the Enlightenment there was a greater need for a sound scientific basis in various areas of study. This effected how women were viewed and really took into account the reasoning behind the concepts associated with them. In Tartuffe, Moliere used women to not only show how he viewed their intelligence compared to men, but to also symbolize protest against Church and State. Both of these stories brought about change in society and helped in the fight for women’s rights.
The notion that wives should be submissive to their husbands comes…show more content… It was stated that “marriage is by its nature a contract; and as a result, in all things not expressly prohibited by natural law, the contractual engagements between the husband and the wife determine reciprocal rights” (Diderot, D’Alembert 127). Therefore, it is up to both the wife and husband to determine who should be the authority of the marriage, rather than picking the male and claiming that that is what’s right. If the wife feels that she should be head of the household and the husband agrees, then by the virtue of natural law, she should have the same power her husband has. This has been practiced successfully before among powerful women, princesses and queens, who wanted to keep the power of their title intact. Civil law can still be kept in place, but leave it up to the spouses’ discretion. This idea is supported with Diderot and D’Alembert saying “why should the ancient maxim, provisio hominis tollit provisionem legis, not be accepted in this case” (Diderot, D’Alembert 127). This means the provision made by an individual does not take away the provision made by the law. So, a couple may deicide to not follow the rule of civil law when it comes to marriage, but will not do away with civil law all together. Additionally, they state “at least let the legislature refrain from prohibiting exceptions to the law, made with free consent of the parties” (Diderot, D’Alembert 127). Therefore, both…show more content… Once she realizes Tartuffe has feelings for her she attempts to stop him from marrying her daughter. She uses her power over him to get what she wants. Additionally, she devises a plan to trap Tartuffe because it’s clear that Orgon needs to see it for himself. She tells Orgon “I’m going to lead him on, to lift his mask, Seem to agree to anything he’ll ask, Pretend to respond to his advances” (Moliere 157). Again she plans on using her power over him to get what she wants. Although he is the man of the house, Orgon is one of the most foolish characters in the play. He is deceived by Tartuffe and almost has his house taken away because of his need for power. Dorine, on the other hand, is the voice of reason that sees what Tartuffe really is and tries to persuade Orgon not to listen to him. Finally, in the end it is Elmire who sets up a plan for Orgon to see what is going on. So, it is the women of the play, Elmire and Dorine, who really have the power in the house, regardless of their
