Play Review: Tartuffe (Molière)

by Jiayun  

Tartuffe is a humorous play by the French playwright Molière. It is about the foolishness of a man named Orgon and the treachery of Tartuffe. Tartuffe is a beggar with the façade of a spiritual man, who gains the trust of Orgon, the master and owner of a large estate. Somehow, Tartuffe convinces Orgon to trust him, even though Orgon's relatives look past Tartuffe to see his true identity.

Tartuffe deceits Orgon by pretenses; he pretends to be the most spiritual and benevolent of all people by his consistent prayers and alms to the poor. In one instance, Tartuffe announces he is going to the prison to share his coins with the wretches. Orgon believes Tartuffe's generosity resulted in Tartuffe's unfortunate, penniless position. Therefore, he decides to help Tartuffe by providing him with a home, food, and anything else. In fact, Orgon seems completely brainwashed by Tartuffe when he ousts his own son, Damis out of the house! Tartuffe controls Orgon by successfully lying to him about intentions; Orgon thinks Tartuffe possesses a kindred spirit and truly wishes the best for everyone. He even annuls his promise to Valere and Mariane about their marriage. When in reality, Tartuffe is after Orgon's land and money.

The rest of Orgon's relations (except for his mother, Madame Pernelle) recognize Tartuffe as a fraud. Cleante, Orgon's brother-in-law tries to convince Orgon to kick Tartuffe out of the household, only to be severely criticized by Orgon. Dorine, the maid of Orgon's daughter, directly berates Orgon for trusting Tartuffe, especially when Orgon forces his daughter Mariane to marry Orgon.

Unfortunately, Orgon provides the reader with the epitome of men with their flaws at its worst. Orgon's arrogance to believe his own mind and no one else's that leads to his complete trust in a dishonorable man.