On the Image of "Hypocrisy" in Moliere's Works

Molière as the preeminent figure of 17th-century French classical drama, he exposed the hypocrisy of feudal aristocracy and religious institutions through incisive satire and profound insight, his works allude to the moral corruption and institutional decay of feudal society. Centering on the archetype of the "hypocrite", this paper analyzes canonical texts such as Tartuffe, Don Juan, The Miser and The School for Wives across four dimensions: the duality of good and evil, the sociopolitical genesis of hypocrisy, innovations in comedic artistry, and the enduring influence of these characters. The study reveals that Molière's hypocrites not only critique the moral decay of feudal society but also unveil the complexity of human nature through a "tragic core beneath the comedic facade". Furthermore, the paper explores the cautionary significance of hypocrisy in modern contexts, affirming its timeless value as a literary archetype.