First Signs of Feminism in Molière's Truffle Female characters in Molière's Truffle display feminist behavior years before the feminist movement emerged historically. Many of their actions, words and behaviors are completely unusual for women of their time. Moliere makes a strong statement with this play by presenting female characters who go against convention. Gender inequality in the early Enlightenment was extreme. The women in this play try to fight against this inequality and in the end it is the patriarch of the family who is deceived by Tartuffe, but most of the female characters remain undeceived throughout the play. Two of the female characters in this play, Doreen and Elmire, play significantly different roles in the house. They have different personalities, different household tasks, and a drastically different social standing. As different as these women are, they both show signs of early feminism. At various levels they fight for what they believe is right. Dorine openly says her opinion and hides nothing. Elmire is more subtle and uses her sexuality to get what she wants. Elmire understands that she is a woman and that men see her as a sexual object. He actually uses it to his advantage. He uses Truffle's affection for her against him. She makes him look like a fool after seducing him. This woman understands that gender roles for men and women are very different and that she can use men to get what she wants. This gives Elmire a kind of freedom. Elmire is an independent woman who knows how to get what she wants. In the play Elmire wants Tartuffe out of her husband's house. He doesn't understand why everyone likes him so much. Elmire has an idea; decides that he will seduce Tartuffe. When... half of the paper...ter. However, that's not all it does. He also refuses to listen to the opinion of the men of the house. She is a very strong woman and argues with them to make sure her opinion is heard. She may play the fool, but she also plays an opinionated fool and isn't afraid to argue with men. This is not something that was common in the 17th century. During this time it was believed that men knew everything. Women had to listen and follow. Marianne plays the submissive daughter. She is willing to marry a man she doesn't want to marry simply because her father demands it. However, she plots with her maid Dorine to help her out of the situation. This is something that does not follow gender norms. A good daughter of the time listened to her father religiously. Every woman in this play challenges gender norms, although some do so to a much lesser extent.