Tartuffe

Tartuffe, also known as *Tartuffe, or The Impostor* and *Tartuffe, or The Hypocrite*, is a farcical comedy by Molière, first staged in 1664. The roles of Tartuffe, Elmire, and Orgon are widely regarded as some of the finest in classical theatre.

The play was first performed at Versailles during the grand festivities called "The Party of the Delights of the Enchanted Island." Shortly after, King Louis XIV banned it, likely swayed by his former tutor and confessor, the archbishop of Paris, Paul Philippe Hardouin de Beaumont de Péréfixe. The official account of the festival noted that while the king found the play highly entertaining, he saw too much similarity between those led by true devotion and those who merely flaunt good works while committing bad ones. His sensitivity to religious matters could not allow this resemblance between vice and virtue, so he forbade public performances to prevent abuse by those unable to distinguish the two. Because of Molière’s work, the word "tartuffe" entered both French and English to describe a hypocrite who ostentatiously feigns virtue, especially religious virtue. The play is composed entirely in 1,962 lines of rhyming couplets in twelve-syllable alexandrines.

In the plot, Orgon and his mother, Madame Pernelle, have been duped by Tartuffe, a fraud and vagrant whom Orgon took in. Tartuffe manipulates Orgon by pretending to be devout and speaking with divine authority. Madame Pernelle, convinced of Tartuffe’s piety, criticizes Elmire (Orgon’s second wife) and Cléante (Orgon’s step-brother). Orgon returns from his estate and announces that Tartuffe will marry his daughter Mariane, despite her engagement to Valère. This causes a rift between Mariane and Valère until the maid Dorine reconciles them and plots to expose Tartuffe. Suspecting Tartuffe will be tempted by Elmire, Dorine arranges a meeting. Damis, Orgon’s son, eavesdrops and hears Tartuffe declare his love for Elmire. Damis reports this to Orgon, but Tartuffe uses reverse psychology to accuse himself of being the worst sinner. Orgon believes him, banishes Damis, and signs over all his possessions to Tartuffe. Elmire then challenges Orgon to hide under a table and eavesdrop on a private meeting with Tartuffe. During this meeting, Tartuffe’s lust provides clear proof of his hypocrisy. Orgon orders him to leave, but Tartuffe reminds Orgon that he now owns the house. Orgon reveals that he had earlier entrusted Tartuffe with letters from his friend Argas that denounced the king. A bailiff, Monsieur Loyal, arrives with an eviction notice from Tartuffe. Valère then warns Orgon that Tartuffe has given the letters to the king, and an officer is coming to arrest Orgon. However, when Tartuffe arrives with the officer, the officer arrests Tartuffe instead. The officer explains that the enlightened King Louis XIV (unnamed in the play) learned of the injustices, was appalled by Tartuffe’s treachery, and ordered his arrest. Tartuffe has a long criminal history and has changed names to avoid capture. The king forgives Orgon for keeping the letters and invalidates the deed giving Tartuffe the house. Orgon then consents to Mariane’s marriage to Valère. This surprise ending, where everything is resolved by the unseen king’s intervention, is a notable example of the deus ex machina plot device.

Though the play was popular with audiences and Louis XIV, it sparked immediate conflict. Groups offended by its portrayal of a pious-seeming but mercenary, lecherous, and deceitful character included parts of the Catholic Church hierarchy, upper-class French society, and the underground Compagnie du Saint-Sacrement. The archbishop of Paris, Péréfixe, issued an edict threatening excommunication for anyone who watched, performed, or read the play. Molière attempted to continue the work.