Tartuffe Comedy in Five Acts, 1669

Tartuffe Comedy in Five Acts, 1669 by Molière is a significant work published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1963. This edition spans 106 pages and is presented in English. The narrative unfolds in the home of the affluent Orgon, where Tartuffe, a deceitful and self-proclaimed pious individual, ingratiates himself into the family. His manipulative tactics lead him to gain Orgon’s trust, as he schemes to marry Orgon’s daughter and seduce his wife, ultimately aiming to seize the family property.

Readers will encounter a sharp critique of hypocrisy and the perils of blind faith as Tartuffe’s true nature is gradually revealed. The story culminates with the intervention of an emissary from King Louis XIV, who exposes Tartuffe’s duplicity and restores order. Molière’s exploration of the dangers posed by those who exploit religious fervor serves as a central theme, making this work a notable example of continental European drama. This first edition invites readers to reflect on the complexities of belief and deception within a domestic setting.