Who is the author of Tartuffe? This question has intrigued scholars and theater enthusiasts for centuries. Tartuffe, a satirical comedy written in the early 17th century, is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of French literature. The identity of its author has been a subject of debate, with several candidates proposed over the years.
The most commonly accepted author of Tartuffe is Molière, a French playwright and actor who was active in the early 17th century. Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin on January 15, 1622, Molière was a prolific playwright whose works continue to be performed and studied today. Tartuffe, written in 1664, is one of his most famous plays, known for its sharp wit and social commentary.
However, there has been some skepticism regarding Molière’s authorship of Tartuffe. Some scholars argue that the play was actually written by Thomas Corneille, Molière’s brother-in-law and also a playwright. This theory is based on the similarities between Tartuffe and Thomas Corneille’s earlier play, Cléandre. Despite these claims, the overwhelming consensus among literary experts is that Molière is indeed the author of Tartuffe.
The play itself is a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and moral corruption. It tells the story of Orgon, a wealthy man who falls under the spell of Tartuffe, a fraudulent religious zealot. As Tartuffe manipulates Orgon and his family, the play exposes the absurdity and dangers of blind faith and the misuse of religious authority. Molière’s sharp observations and clever dialogue make Tartuffe a timeless piece of theater that continues to resonate with audiences today.
In conclusion, while there has been some debate, the author of Tartuffe is widely believed to be Molière. This masterful playwright’s ability to satirize social issues and create memorable characters has cemented Tartuffe’s place as a classic of French literature. As audiences continue to explore the themes and complexities of this play, the question of its authorship remains a topic of interest and discussion.
