TartuffeIn his most famous play Tartuffe, Molière tells the story of an attempt, by a manipulative hypocrite, to destroy the domestic happiness of a citizen who, charmed by his apparent piety, welcomed him into his home. as a respectable guest. The play was banned after its first performance because it was deemed anti-religious. However, this decision was made unjustly because true religion is never confused with hypocrisy, but is warmly supported, which shows its characteristic hatred of imposture in all its forms. Throughout Tartuffe, Molière's play repeatedly asserts that there is a difference between piety for God and piety for personal gain and that he commends the former and only condemns the latter. From the beginning of the play, from the first act, Cléante, qualified as the voice of reason in the play, says to Orgon, the deceived main character: A man who governs the rest by putting on such airs Can be a hypocrite despite everything his fervent prayers. When the battle begins and men of honor come to fight, quiet men are courageous, boasters can be afraid; so truly pious men, whom people should admire, will not make such a song and dance on hellfire. Oh, Heaven! Don't you see that there is a distinction between hypocrisy and true devotion? Cléanté warns Orgon against the spectacle that hypocrites, like Tartuffe, present to pass as pious in order to gain admiration and favor. However Cleante goes on to say that true religious men are worthy of praise, they demonstrate balance and inner devotion: We all know men who burn with fire...... middle of paper... ...individuals who claim to be doing God's work, hypocrites who take advantage of those who believe them. The banning of the play was brought about by an obvious reactionary reaction from individuals who undoubtedly saw in themselves the undesirable qualities exemplified by Tartuffe. The irrational opposition soon became even more stupid when friendly interest in the drama among the society's leaders prompted the king to withdraw his ban. Ultimately, it was Molière himself who said it best: “And how can a holy dogma make one believe that it is right to steal an inheritance and steal from a legitimate heir?” No hypocrite could use religion to hide the brilliance of Tartuffe.BibliographyMolière. “Tartuffe.” The Misanthrope, Tartuffe and other plays. Ed. Maya Slater. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. 143 Wikipedia “Tartuffe”: The Free Encyclopedia. April 23, 2006. June 1 2006.