This edition gives a side-by-side parallel translation of Molière 's Tartuffe using Curtis Hidden Page 's translation. Tartuffe was first performed in 1664 and is one of the most famous theatrical comedies, the characters of Tartuffe, Elmire, and Valère are among the greatest classical theatre roles. Following the first performance, it was censored by King Louis XIV, probably due to the influence of the archbishop of Paris, who was the King's confessor. Due to Molière's play, contemporary French and English both use the word "tartuffe" to describe a hypocrite who superficially feigns virtue. The play is written entirely in 1,962 twelve-syllable lines (alexandrines) of rhyming couplets.