When Damis refuses to withdraw his claim, Orgon banishes him from the house. Tartuffe enacts a false show of piety, which impresses Orgon. His anger attracts Orgon to the room, at which point Damis reveals the truth about Tartuffe despite Elmire's requests for him to stay quiet. He seems ready to agree, when Damis angrily reveals himself, having overheard Tartuffe's illicit demands. Shocked, she denies him but threatens to tell Orgon about his lechery unless he approves the marriage between Valere and Mariane. She begs him to renounce all claims to Mariane, but he dodges the request and propositions her. Tartuffe appears for the first time, and Dorine leaves him with Elmire. She intends to let Elmire control Tartuffe, since it is clear that he lusts after her. In Act III, Dorine advises Damis to quell his hotheadedness so that he does not ruin their plan. All three agree to work together to counteract Orgon and Tartuffe's plans. When Valere enters, having heard the rumor about Orgon's plans, both he and Mariane argue in a juvenile fashion, but Dorine calms them down. Once Orgon leaves, Dorine reminds the overly-obedient Mariane about her love for Valere, but the young woman feels compelled to honor her father's wishes. Orgon is annoyed at her boldness, and tries to send her away. Dorine brassily pleads with Orgon to change his intent, suggesting the age difference between Mariane and Tartuffe will lead the lady to infidelity. She is surprised, but shows the obedience she believes is expected of her. In Act II, Orgon announces that he intends Mariane to marry Tartuffe.

Cleante is particularly concerned when Orgon dodges his questions about Mariane's impending marriage.

Cleante suggests that Tartuffe's flamboyant displays of piety suggest hypocrisy, but Orgon is unmoved. When Orgon arrives, Cleante begs him to see through Tartuffe's act, but Orgon waxes poetic about how he observed Tartuffe's pious poverty and humility first-hand. Damis is concerned that, under Tartuffe's influence, Orgon might refuse to let Mariane marry her beloved Valere even though he has already promised to approve the match. The rest of the family believes Tartuffe to be a fraud and a liar, but cannot convince Madame Pernelle to see him this way.Īfter Madame Pernelle departs, the servant Dorine and Orgon's brother-in-law Cleante discuss how they might convince Orgon that Tartuffe is manipulating him. Tartuffe has been invited to stay by the house's master Orgon, who is infatuated by Tartuffe's seeming piety. It is only the new houseguest, Tartuffe, who earns her approbation. She sees her grandson Damis as a brat, and her granddaughter Mariane as too fragile. The play opens when Madame Pernelle decides to leave her son Orgon's house because she finds their behavior immoral and decadent.

Moliere tartuffe pdf