Within his comedy “Tartuffe”, Moliere portrays a relationship based on underlying deception between the characters Orgon and Tartuffe. When Orgon first meets the religious hypocrite after a service, he immediately becomes drawn to Tartuffe’s ideals and practices. Orgon believes Tartuffe to be modest and have exemplary character, beginning when he hears Tartuffe say, “I am not worthy. I do not deserve your gifts or pity. I am here to serve” (1.5: 52-54). Orgon becomes infatuated with Tartuffe and invites him to move into his home. However, the other characters within the comedy see through to the real Tartuffe, who is a man using acts of deception and trickery to develop a relationship with Orgon, who gives him everything and remains a disciple to him.

Dorine and Cleante, both prominent characters within the comedy, have a clear understanding of Tartuffe and what he is doing to Orgon. Speaking about Orgon, Dorine says, “He is intoxicated with Tartuffe-a potion that exceeds a hundred proof, It’s put him a trance, this devil’s brew” (1.2: 13-15). Dorine is suggesting that Orgon is blind to the evil that Tartuffe is bringing into his life. Tartuffe claims to be a religious figure, and Orgon believes he is protecting his home from sin. However, it is explained that Tartuffe uses Orgon and his money, displaying his true character, which is one of greed and deceit. Dorine explains this trickery when she says “But what’s evil is seeing the deception and upheaval of the master and everything he owns. He hands him money. They’re not even loans- he’s giving it away. It’s gone too far, to watch Tartuffe play him like a guitar!” (1.2: 37-42)

Although the characters warn Orgon about Tartuffe, he continues to argue against them and defend Tartuffe’s actions. Cleante, speaking to Orgon, says that Tartuffe is a hypocrite and not truly devoted to religion. She says, “He’s a fraud, this man whom you adore” (1.5: 176). Orgon does not want to believe in Tartuffe’s greed, or think that he is being used by him in any way. Orgon defends Tartuffe when saying, “If you only could know him as I do, you would be his true disciple, too” (1.5:14-15). Although toxic, the relationship between Orgon and Tartuffe seems plausible considering Orgon’s character. Religion was an important aspect to his life, so it is understandable why he could be so easily deceived by a religious figure that he met during a time of worship and blessed him in the house of God.

Similar instances occur today, where we see people deceiving others and using them for things such as their money. Many people become blind to these acts, probably because they do not want to believe that someone, especially a close friend or family member, would try to take things from them using deceit.