Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite by Molière. Summary of the book.

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Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite by Molière

Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite is a comedy play written by the French playwright Molière. It was first performed in 1664 and has since become one of the most popular and widely-read plays of all time. The story follows the titular character, Tartuffe, a man who pretends to be pious and religious for his own gain. Tartuffe becomes the houseguest of Orgon, a wealthy landowner, and soon begins to exert his influence over him. The play follows Orgon’s efforts to keep his family safe from Tartuffe’s schemes, while also exploring the nature of faith, hypocrisy, and morality.

Plot

Tartuffe is a man who claims to be deeply religious and pious. He is welcomed into Orgon’s house, and quickly begins to manipulate the family. He tells Orgon that his daughter is not pious enough, and convinces him to disinherit her. He also schemes to marry Orgon’s daughter Mariane to himself. Orgon’s family quickly realizes that Tartuffe is a fraud, but Orgon refuses to believe them. He exiles his son, and is only convinced of Tartuffe’s deceit when Tartuffe is caught trying to seduce his wife. In the end, Tartuffe is exposed and banished from the house.

Themes

Tartuffe is a play that explores the themes of faith, hypocrisy, and morality. The play is critical of religious hypocrisy, as Tartuffe uses his piousness as a way to manipulate and control people. The play also examines the nature of faith and how it can be manipulated by someone who claims to be more righteous than they actually are. Additionally, the play looks at how morality can be used as a way to control people, as Tartuffe uses his moral superiority to manipulate and control the people around him.

Interesting Facts

  • Tartuffe was banned by the French government for five years following its first performance in 1664.
  • The play is still widely performed around the world and has been adapted for film, television, and radio.
  • The play is considered one of Molière’s masterpieces, and is often studied in literature classes.

FAQs

  • Who wrote Tartuffe?
    Tartuffe was written by the French playwright Molière.
  • When was Tartuffe first performed?
    Tartuffe was first performed in 1664.
  • What themes does Tartuffe explore?
    Tartuffe explores the themes of faith, hypocrisy, and morality.
  • Is Tartuffe still performed today?
    Yes, Tartuffe is still widely performed around the world and has been adapted for film, television, and radio.

Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite is a classic play that has been enjoyed and studied for centuries. The play is a satirical examination of faith, hypocrisy, and morality, and is still widely read and performed today. The play has been banned, adapted, and performed all over the world, and is an important part of the legacy of Molière, one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

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