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We suggest interpreting the faintly visible critique of the fanaticism of Orgon’s blind devotion in Tartuffe in light of contemporary English theories about the illness or enthusiastic passion that struck the “inspired” prophets of sects that emerged or sought refuge on British soil in the second half of the seventeenth century. Our analysis also sheds light on Cléante’s condemnation of Orgon’s sanctimonious fury in light of the doctrine of tolerance developed in response to these epidemics of enthusiasm. We try to draw a parallel with these theses, particularly those detailed by Locke and Shaftesbury, which elucidate the way that Molière’s comedy presents the anatomy of fanaticism and its eradication through laughter.