Overview
Synopsis
Controversial and popular from the time of its release, Moliere’s Tartuffe remains a biting satire aimed at religious hypocrisy. When the kind, yet dim, Orgon invites the religious zealot known as Tartuffe into his home, he has no idea that he has accepted a snake into his den. While Tartuffe acts like a kind minister, he is -- in fact -- a con man plotting to rob Orgon of everything he holds dear! While Orgon becomes hopelessly entranced by Tartuffe, his family rallies to expose Tartuffe for the rascal that he is. Will they be able to save the hapless Orgon from Tartuffe’s clutches? It may take an act of fake seduction-- and an obvious Deus ex Machina -- to help defeat this lascivious hypocrite.
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Context
French playwright Moliere’s previous play, The School of Wives, had received its fair share of controversy. The storm surrounding Tartuffe, however, made The School of Wives controversy look tame by comparison. The first version of Tartuffe was presented in three acts at Versailles in 1664. While King Louis XIV enjoyed Tartuffe, the play enraged multiple religious organizations. They saw it as an affront on religion, itself. While Moliere wrote that he had no intention to mock “those
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Act I
Madame Pernelle is hastily leaving her son’s house, incensed by some of her family member’s treatment of their houseguest Tartuffe. While others try to argue that Tartuffe is a con man, who uses religion as a shield for his true nature, Madame Pernelle berates them, claiming that Tartuffe is a godly clergyman who is offended by sin. When everyone again tries to reason with her, Madame Pernelle exits, offended.
After she leaves, the family confers, discussing the fate of Orgon, the
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Tartuffe.
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