Tartufo is one of the most famous comedies written by the French playwright Molière. The play tells the story of a rich Frenchman named Orgon who welcomes Tartuffe, a man who presents himself as religious and passionate but in reality turns out to be a hypocrite. Despite his family's warnings, Orgon completely turns his back on his family to protect Tartuffe, who betrays him. During that time the opera was written and performed for the first time, and many people, along with King Louis XIV himself, appreciated the opera. However, for others it was seen as an act critical of religion and the church, which then led to its ban. In a political sense, Tartuffe serves as both support and criticism of ideas of absolutism, divine right, and the patriarchal family. The story takes place in France during the mid-1600s. Everyone in the family, except Orgon and his mother Madame Pernelle, believe that Tartuffe, a man they have taken in, is a hypocritical impostor. Orgon privately reveals to his daughter Marianne that he wants her to marry Tartuffe. Marianne's brother Damis learns of his father's plans and becomes furious. Tartuffe and Elmire (Orgon's wife) meet to talk and Damis hides to eavesdrop. Surprisingly, Tartuffe begins to admit feelings for Elmire and tries to seduce her. Elmire rejects him and then tries to make a deal with him: if he backs out of his marriage to Marianne, she will not inform Orgon of what has happened. Just as Tartuffe agrees, Damis comes out and confronts Tartuffe for his wrongdoings. Orgon then enters the room and Damis tells him what happened. However, due to his passion for Truffle, Orgon doesn't believe him! Orgon then goes so far as to disinherit Damis and make Tartuffe his only... half of paper... Kind and forgiving king, the entire family would have lost everything. While Molière satirically criticized and warned against certain aspects of absolutism, divine right, and the patriarchal family, it was also evident that he supported them and did not believe in alternative ways in which matters should be handled. It simply recognizes that for the kingdom to be conducted according to these policies, the rulers (both the king and the heads of families) had to be careful and wise in their decision making to avoid corruption. Molière definitely makes some good points, and even though he was banned for a period of time, Tartuffe remains one of his most famous works. WORKS CITED Cole, Joshua, Judith G. Coffin, Carol Symes, and Robert Stacey. Western civilizations: their history and culture. Brief Third ed. vol. 2. New York: W. W. Norton &, 2012. Print.