Tartuffe Religion Essay

Tartuffe was viewed by some to be an anti-religious play. Do you believe it is anti-religious? Why or why not? In what way does the play provide strong religious or social criticism?
Tartuffe does target religious hypocrisy, but it is not anti-religious. Moliere uses characters such as Tartuffe and Cléante to represent the church. Tartuffe uses his religion to get his way. Orgon was attracted to Tartuffe’s faith and he latched on to him order to feel close to God. On the other hand, Cléante has a true understanding of religion. He suggests that a religious man does not have to be showy with his faith. Through the way he lives one can see that he is a holy man.
Moliere may have written Tartuffe a long time ago but Tartuffe’s social type still holds true for today’s society. …show more content…
Tartuffe is defined by his outward displays of religious piety, and through them, he manipulates Orgon into overlooking his family's welfare. One could even understand Orgon's motive as wanting to feel close to God himself. Certainly, Moliere sees the absurdity and danger of such religious hypocrisy. However, through Cleante, the play reveals the significant distinction between hypocrisy and true spirituality. Cleante suggests that a true holy man does not brag about himself or viciously condemn others, is not prideful or showy, and does not aim to curry political or social favor. Cleante stresses that true holy men of virtue do exist, but it is part of their nature not to be recognized as such. Therefore, the play aims to mock religious hypocrisy, while suggesting its biggest fault is the way it maligns and compromises the glory of true