Tartuffe by Molière - Lecture Notes

Overview

• Tartuffe is a satirical comedy written by Molière in 1664.
• Molière disapproves of Tartuffe's hypocrisy and uses satire and irony to highlight this within French society.
• The play was banned after its first presentation due to its controversial portrayal of religious hypocrisy.

Act 1

• Characters: Orgone, Madame Parnell, Tartuffe, Doreen, Elmir, Cleont
• Orgone is absent, Madame Parnell criticizes the family but praises Tartuffe.
• The family views Tartuffe as a hypocrite and a con man; Doreen notes Tartuffe's jealousy of Elmir.
• Theme: Hypocrisy—Tartuffe symbolizes the hypocrisy in the conservative Roman Catholic Church.
• Historical Context: Tartuffe embodies traits associated with the Society of the Holy Sacrament, which played a role in banning the play.