Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite  (Paperback, Molière)

The play revolves around the character of Tartuffe, a hypocritical and deceitful religious zealot who gains the trust and favor of Orgon, a wealthy and naive man. Orgon becomes infatuated with Tartuffe's pious and virtuous façade, blindly entrusting him with his family, fortune, and even the hand of his daughter in marriage. As the play progresses, the other members of Orgon's household, including his wife Elmire, his son Damis, and the maid Dorine, become increasingly skeptical of Tartuffe's true intentions. They attempt to expose his hypocrisy and protect Orgon from being manipulated and deceived. "Tartuffe" satirizes religious hypocrisy and the gullibility of individuals who blindly follow charismatic and seemingly devout figures. Molière's play mocks the misuse of religion for personal gain and the danger of unchecked fanaticism. The comedy of "Tartuffe" lies in its witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and exaggerated characters. Molière skillfully balances farcical elements with social criticism, using humor to highlight the dangers of blind faith and the absurdities of human behavior. "Tartuffe" initially faced significant controversy and backlash due to its critique of religious hypocrisy. It was even banned by the Catholic Church in France. However, Molière's play eventually gained recognition as a masterpiece of French comedy and a classic of Western dramatic literature.