Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite (eBook)

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a preeminent French playwright, actor, and poet, whose works have left an indelible mark on the canon of Western literature. Born on January 15, 1622, in Paris, France, Molière grew to become one of the great dramatists of the 17th century. He was renowned for his satirical plays which often scrutinized the pretensions and hypocrisies of society. Molière's writing style combines sharp wit with the grand traditions of French farce and classical tragedy, often infusing comedy into serious subjects. One of his most famous works, 'Tartuffe; Or, The Hypocrite' is a piercing critique of religious hypocrisy, where the titular character, Tartuffe, feigns piety to insinuate himself into the household of a wealthy bourgeois, Orgon. The play was first performed in 1664 but faced immediate censorship due to its unapologetic criticism of religious fraudulence. Despite encountering harsh opposition from the Church, Molière's 'Tartuffe' remains a seminal text, reflecting his mastery of character and moral nuance. His contribution to drama has led to his being dubbed as one of the masters of comic satire, influencing generations of writers and performers. Molière's work remains staple fare for classical theatre companies worldwide, and his insights into human folly and pretense continue to resonate with modern audiences.