How to Attack Hypocrisy Moliere's play, Tartuffe , was written to illuminate the hypocrisy that was running rampant in the France of his day. It is the story of an older man, Orgon, his family, and the effects of Tartuffe, a supposed holy man, and his influence on Orgon. In the end, Tartuffe's hypocrisy is revealed to Orgon, who has been blind to it throughout the play.
Punishment follows quickly.
It seems obvious that Moliere's purpose is to attack hypocrisy by showing his audience the nature and ruthlessness of hypocrites. However, I feel that Moliere fails in his attack. There seems to be little in the play that would deter a person from practicing the hypocrisy illustrated in the play. In fact, I believe that Tartuffe could do the opposite and promote the benefits of hypocrisy. It seems, judging by Moliere's depiction, that a person has little defense against the hypocrite.