Critical Themes in Tartuffe

Moliere: Tartuffe, Comedy in Five Acts (Originally published 1669), Translated into English Verse by Richard Wilbur (1963) Harcourt Press

In Tartuffe, Moliere introduces us to Orgon. Orgon, a wealthy family man, befriends a stranger (Tartuffe) who outwardly appears to be a devout Christian; however the reader soon learns that he is a fraud - an imposter. Orgon trusts him implicitly and places him on a pedestal, putting his needs above those of his own family (who quickly see through the transparent behaviors of Tartuffe.). Orgon is warned by many characters that Tartuffe is lying and manipulating him in an effort to get ahead financially and socially. Orgon turns a blind eye to these warnings, but eventually learns about the betrayal when he eavesdrops on Tartuffe trying to seduce his wife. Unfortunately his plan to evict Tartuffe backfires when Tartuffe reveals secrets that Orgon told him in confidence. However, in the end, Tartuffe's dishonesty is revealed, he is arrested and Orgon's home life returns to normal.

The main theme of Tartuffe is religious hypocrisy, and the character of Tartuffe most exemplifies this trait. He repeatedly claims to be a true Christian when he actually is a fraud. He purports to be morally superior to others, when in fact he acts immorally (by trying to seduce Orgon's wife, for example). Orgon's brother-in-law Cleante is the moral opposite of Tartuffe and tries to be the voice of reason throughout the play. Simply, he feels that a true Christian should practice what they preach. He notes that many people leading true Christian lives don't need to continually point out how good of a life they are leading. They go about their daily routine without patting themselves on the back for their pious deeds. Even at the play's end, Cleante scolds Orgon for wishing harsh punishment on Tartuffe for his betrayal, reminding him that a true Christian would choose forgiveness over vindictiveness.

Another recurring theme in Tartuffe is deception. The character of Tartuffe is a master of deception, who successfully deceives Orgon into believing he is a virtuous man even though he is a fraud. We learn at the end of the play that Tartuffe is a professional imposter/con-man who has committed a series of crimes during his lifetime using fake identities. Moliere also shows the flip-side of deception several times, by having the innocent characters participate in things such as hiding and eavesdropping in order to reveal Tartuffe's hypocrisy and deceit.

In addition to these main themes, secondary themes including gullibility and weakness are evident throughout the play. Orgon's character exemplifies both of these traits. His gullibility allows him to accept Tartuffe's words at face value and his weakness keeps him from hearing/seeing the truth even though his family continues to point