Molière’s Masterpiece of Religious Hypocrisy
Part of the “100 Plays to Read Before You Die” Series
What happens when a con man poses as a religious zealot to swindle a wealthy family? Molière’s “Tartuffe” answers this question with a razor-sharp wit that remains as relevant today as it was in 17th-century France. This masterful comedy of manners doesn’t just tickle our funny bones—it forces us to examine the masks we wear and the lies we choose to believe.
Quick Facts
- First performed: May 12, 1664, at Versailles for King Louis XIV
- Original title: “Tartuffe, ou l’Imposteur” (Tartuffe, or the Impostor)
- Runtime: Approximately 2 hours
- Structure: Five acts in rhyming couplets
- Initial reception: Banned for five years after its first performance
- Notable adaptations: 1995 Gérard Depardieu film, 2018 National Theatre (London) modernization
Just want to read the play?
Maya Slater’s translation
Includes three other plays, The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, The Clever Women
Free version? Try the version on Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2027
Historical Context
When Molière premiered “Tartuffe” at Versailles, he lit a powder keg. The Catholic Church, particularly the secret society known as the Compagnie du Saint-Sacrement, saw the play as a direct attack on religion. They weren’t entirely wrong—but they missed Molière’s true target: religious hypocrisy rather than genuine faith.
The play’s initial ban speaks volumes about the power dynamics of 17th-century France. Despite King Louis XIV’s personal enjoyment of the play, religious authorities held enough sway to keep it off stage for five years. Molière revised the script multiple times, finally winning approval in 1669. The controversy only enhanced the play’s reputation, making it one of the most frequently performed works in the French theatrical canon.
Plot Overview
Orgon, a wealthy Parisian, has taken in Tartuffe, a supposedly devout man who presents himself as the very model of religious virtue. While Orgon and his mother are completely taken in by Tartuffe’s act, the rest of the household—particularly the sharp-tongued maid Dorine—sees through the deception.
As Tartuffe’s influence grows, he nearly succeeds in marrying Orgon’s daughter, seducing Orgon’s wife, and gaining control of the family’s wealth. The family’s increasingly desperate attempts to expose Tartuffe lead to a series of brilliantly crafted comedic scenes, including the famous moment where Orgon hides under a table to witness Tartuffe’s true nature.
The resolution comes through royal intervention—a plot device that both flatters Louis XIV and demonstrates the perfect balance of secular and religious authority that Molière envisions.
Themes & Analysis
Religious Hypocrisy
Molière’s genius lies in how he distinguishes between true piety and false devotion. Tartuffe’s exaggerated displays of religious fervor (“Cover that bosom, which I can’t endure to look on”) contrast sharply with Cléante’s measured wisdom about genuine faith. The play doesn’t mock religion—it skewers those who use it as a tool for personal gain.
Blindness and Perception
Orgon’s inability to see through Tartuffe’s deception despite overwhelming evidence mirrors broader human tendencies to believe what we want to believe. The play explores how emotion and desire can override reason and observation.
Authority and Justice
The play’s structure cleverly examines various forms of authority: religious, familial, and royal. Molière suggests that wisdom lies in balancing these powers rather than allowing any one to dominate.
Revolutionary Elements
Molière’s use of comedy to address serious social issues was groundbreaking. His careful balance of physical comedy with intellectual wit created a template for social satire that influences writers to this day. The play’s structure, building tension through increasingly high-stakes confrontations, remains a masterclass in dramatic construction.
Cultural Impact
“Tartuffe” has become synonymous with religious hypocrisy—the character’s name entered the French language as a common noun meaning “hypocrite.” The play’s influence extends far beyond France, inspiring works from Dickens’s “Seth Pecksniff” to contemporary political satire.
Reading Guide
Best Translations
- Richard Wilbur’s version (most poetic, maintains rhyming couplets)
- Donald Frame’s translation (most accessible modern version)
- Christopher Hampton’s adaptation (excellent for contemporary staging)
Reading Tips
- Pay attention to the rhyming couplets—they’re part of the comedy
- Notice how different characters describe Tartuffe before we meet him
- Track the power dynamics through physical positioning (who stands, who kneels)
- Watch for religious imagery used for comedic effect
Contemporary Relevance
In an era of televangelist scandals and religious grifters, “Tartuffe” feels remarkably modern. The play’s exploration of how people can be manipulated by those who cloak themselves in virtue resonates with contemporary discussions about cult-like behavior and social media influencers.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- The word “tartuffe” may come from the Italian “tartufo” (truffle), suggesting someone who appears valuable but grows in dirt
- Molière himself played the role of Orgon in early performances
- The play was originally three acts; Molière expanded it to five during the ban
- The character of Dorine was written for Madeleine Béjart, one of Molière’s closest collaborators
Why It Endures
“Tartuffe” remains vital because it addresses universal human foibles with both humor and compassion. Its exploration of deception, family dynamics, and the tension between faith and reason speaks to fundamental human experiences. The play’s brilliant combination of philosophical depth and theatrical entertainment ensures its place among the greatest comedies ever written.
Additional Resources
- “Molière: A Theatrical Life” by Virginia Scott
- The Comédie-Française’s archived productions
- BBC Radio 3’s “In Our Time” episode on Molière
- “The Public Mirror: Molière and the Social Commerce of Depiction” by Larry F. Norman
Next in series: “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen
