Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite

Name: Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite
Author: Molière

By Molière

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About This Book

The play follows a household disrupted when its head embraces a charismatic impostor claiming piety, who manipulates his host's trust to dominate family life and seize property. Family members, led by a clear-thinking relative and a witty maid, attempt to expose the rogue's false sanctity and thwart his designs, including an attempted seduction and legal dispossession. The drama balances comic scenes and pointed confrontation, exploring themes of hypocrisy, self-deception, social pretension, and the tension between sincere morality and performative religion. Order is ultimately restored through intervention by civil authority, which unveils the impostor and safeguards the family's rights.

About the Author

Molière

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was a seminal French playwright and actor of the 17th century, renowned for his sharp wit and keen observations of human behavior. He is celebrated for his contributions to the genre of comedy, often blending humor with social critique. His notable works include "Tartuffe," a scathing satire on hypocrisy and religious pretense, and "The Misanthrope," which explores themes of honesty and social norms. Molière's plays are characterized by their clever dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring relevance, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of Western literature.