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Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite

Written by Molière

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Comedy playsFrench drama

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About this book

"Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite" by Molière is a classic comedic play written in the mid-17th century. The work explores themes of hypocrisy, religious devotion, and familial conflict through the character of Orgon, who has become infatuated with Tartuffe, a conman posing as a pious man. The play serves as a satirical commentary on society's susceptibility to deceit and the dangers of blind faith. At the start of "Tartuffe," we are introduced to Madame Pernelle, who criticizes her family and household for their lack of respect and adherence to the religious dictate she supports through Tartuffe. Orgon, her son, idolizes Tartuffe and disregards the concerns of his family, including his daughter Mariane, who is secretly in love with Valère. As the scene unfolds, the family's growing frustration with Tartuffe's influence highlights the tension between genuine devotion and the false piety that deceives Orgon, setting the stage for the comedic conflicts that will ensue as they attempt to confront his misguided affections.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 3 hours
  • intermediate
  • satirical
  • humorous
  • tense

Molière's "Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite" is a biting 17th-century French comedy that exposes the dangers of religious hypocrisy and blind devotion. The play centers on Orgon, a wealthy Parisian patriarch, who falls under the spell of Tartuffe, a seemingly pious but utterly fraudulent religious zealot. Tartuffe systematically manipulates Orgon, gaining control over his household, fortune, and even attempting to marry his daughter and seduce his wife. The rest of Orgon's family, seeing through Tartuffe's pretense, desperately tries to unmask him, leading to escalating domestic chaos and a climactic confrontation where truth is revealed and justice ultimately prevails through a dramatic royal intervention.

“"The world, dear sister, is a den of thieves."”

Key themes

Hypocrisy and Deception
The central theme of the play, exploring how individuals can use a facade of virtue and piety to manipulate others for personal gain. Tartuffe's entire character is built on this deception, as he feigns religious devotion to exploit Orgon's trust, wealth, and family. The play meticulously dissects the mechanisms of such fraud and its corrosive effects on individuals and society.
Religious Fanaticism vs. True Piety
Molière carefully distinguishes between genuine religious devotion and the dangerous, blind fanaticism that Orgon exhibits towards Tartuffe. Characters like Cléante articulate a balanced, reasonable approach to faith, while Orgon's obsession with Tartuffe demonstrates how piety can be twisted into an irrational, destructive force that sacrifices family and common sense.
Reason vs. Blind Emotion/Obsession
The play sets up a clear conflict between the rational arguments and common sense of characters like Cléante, Dorine, and Elmire, and Orgon's irrational, emotional obsession with Tartuffe. Orgon's inability to see truth, despite overwhelming evidence, highlights how powerful emotions or fixed ideas can override reason and lead to disastrous decisions.

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