—Justine Galvan
For me, a great work of literature is a piece that prompts the reader to think beyond their beliefs, and “Tartuffe” does just that. Especially with the play being published in 1664, Moliere truly offered revolutionary ideas in his French drama that made people back then, and even people of today, question their beliefs — hence why King Louis XIV was originally so opposed to the whole play. “Tartuffe” was one of the most progressive pieces of art during its time. Personally, as a nonbeliever who grew up in a Catholic household, I found a certain connection to “Tartuffe”. My childhood consisted of going to church every Sunday; praying the Rosary with my grandmother every day at 6 PM; praying when I woke up and before I go to bed — all because I was taught that was the only right way. I had no idea what it all meant — I just knew they existed and were somehow a part of me. I started questioning my beliefs when I was 12; when it came to me how hypocritical most of the religious people I knew were. They preach and go to church but continue to sin and do immoral things, and just leave everything up to God to forgive them. I knew multiple priests who have gone and had children behind the public. For a long time, I hated God because of those who believed, who were the biggest hypocrites of it all. “Tartuffe” heightens my perspective, and proves how even back then, people are exactly the same as they are now. Moliere demonstrates the true evils of human beings. Even the most respected and highly thought of turn out to be the lowest people out there. Additionally, through “Tartuffe”, Moliere educates the everyday people on the corruption that occurs in society and introduces new ideas based on logic and judgment, not just what the authorities put out.
