Reading Notes W3: Moliere's Tartuffe, Part A

Moliere, "Tartuffe," Pages 144-197

• Damis, son of Orgon, doesn't like Tartuffe (145)
• Madame Pernelle, mother of Orgon, believes Tartuffe is someone who should be listened to (145)
• Dorine, Mariane's maid, says Tartuffe isn't a saint, just some beggar (146)
• Madame Pernelle believes Tartuffe's presence casts the devils out (148)
• Dorine says Orgon is just as fond of Tartuffe as his mother, and hasn't ruled the house as he used to since he's so intoxicated with Tartuffe. Dorine says it's obvious how bad Tartuffe is to everyone except Orgon and his mother (149).
• Damis wants Cleante, Orgon's brother in law, to talk to Orgon. Damis needs his father to agree with Mariane's (Orgon's daughter) marriage with Valere or else he won't be able to marry Valere's sister. He suspects opposition from Tartuffe (150).
• Orgon is talking with Cleante and Dorine but keeps inquiring about Tartuffe at every corner of the conversation. "Ah, and Tartuffe?" (150-151).
• Cleante is aware he might anger Orgon, but proceeds to start telling Tartuffe how Orgon has repaid in kindness (not in favor of Tartuffe). Orgon immediately begins to tell him he's wrong and defend Tartuffe. (151).
• Orgon gave money to Tartuffe and Tartuffe claimed it was too much and would only need half. Tartuffe puts on an act to seem humble and holy, Orgon falls for it. (152)
• He asks about Valere's marriage, Orgon avoids every question and ends the conversation with "good-bye." (156).
• Orgon is forcing his beliefs about Tartuffe onto his daughter to make her marry him. (156-157).
• Dorine and Orgon argue about Tartuffe and the marriage, Dorine tells Orgon Tartuffe is bound to be cheated on. (159).
• Orgon dares Dorine to keep talking, ready to lay a hand on her. She remains silent because of his threat. (160).
• She throws one last insult and runs, Orgon missing as he tries to hit her. (161).
• Mariane says she'll kill herself instead of being married to Tartuffe since she loves Valere. Dorine is angered at the thought and they briefly argue. Mariane is about to leave when Dorine decides to help her. (162-164).
• Mariane and Valere have a fight over the marriage. Valere heard the news and thought she loved Tartuffe, Mariane asked him what to do and he said for her to go through with the marriage. He began to believe she doesn't love him and she didn't deny it. They were both hiding their feelings and trying to act like they didn't care. Dorine got frustrated and spoke up to end their fight and bring them back together since she knows they both love each other. (164-167).
• Tartuffe hands a handkerchief to Dorine to cover herself. Trying to make himself sound pure. (169).
• Tartuffe tries to flatter Elmire, Orgon's wife, saying that her health is more important to him than his own. He declares his love for her. (170-172).
• Elmire says she won't tell Orgon a word that he said as long as he supports Mariane and Valere's marriage. (173)
• Elmire tells Damis there's no need to escalate things further, but Damis wants revenge. He tells Orgon everything when he enters the room. (174).
• Orgon confronts Tartuffe, who admits to what Damis said. Tartuffe claims he deserves every bit of anger that Orgon can express toward him. Orgon turns to Damis and calls him a traitor for trying to tarnish Tartuffe's name. Orgon continues to take Tartuffe's side and threatens to slap Damis if he continues speaking (175-6).
• Orgon says he will force Mariane to marry him to infuriate Damis at this point. He kicks Damis out and continues to defend Tartuffe. (176-7).
• Tartuffe begins to act as a victim about everything Damis said and the way he feels he is treated by people when they see him. He's receiving pity and sympathy from Orgon (177).
• Orgon decides to make Tartuffe his one and only heir. (178).
• Cleante confronts Tartuffe and tries to criticize all of his actions so far and his acceptance of Orgon's fortune. He asks why Tartuffe couldn't just simply refuse to be his heir if he's so high and mighty. Tartuffe leaves instead of answering. (180).
• Orgon is completely blind and refuses to listen to Mariane, Dorine, and Elmire. (180-81).
• Elmire tells Orgon to hide under the table while she speaks to Tartuffe so she can prove how he really is. (187).
• Elmire lies to Tartuffe, saying that she is now able to share her true feelings for Tartuffe since Orgon wants them to spend all of their time together. Tartuffe says he won't believe her until they have touched. He says it's okay if she sins since it's with him. He wants them to express their love right there on the spot. She insists that he step outside and look for Orgon first since she fears he is nearby and will catch them. Tartuffe doesn't see the point but does so anyways. (182-186).
• Orgon steps up and tells Tartuffe to leave and insults him for going after his wife. Tartuffe says the house belong to him and that Orgon needs to leave. "Those who harm me, they know not what they do." (187).
• Cleante calls out Orgon for his mistake. Saying that he can't say all holy men are deceivers. He says Orgon needs to just admit he was wrong and was being played the whole time. (188-9)
• Cleante tells the family not to count on their safety. He says Tartuffe has legal documents (from Orgon's strongbox) and the deed, and is more than capable of kicking them out. Madame Pernelle is also still in denial that Tartuffe isn't a good man. (190-1).
• Monsieur Loyal comes and tells Orgon and his family that they must vacate the premises now that Tartuffe seized the land and house as his. He insists he's being kind. He says he's giving Orgon time, and that he's just there to spend the night. Him and his ten men are there to stay the night. He says Orgon must give him the keys to the house, and insists they have a full night's sleep. Tomorrow they must be packed and ready to leave. (192-3).
• Orgon asks his mom if she can see the treachery now. She's shocked. Elmire says everyone will see Tartuffe's disloyalty once they show his plans and he will be denied their property. (194).
• Valere says Tartuffe gave the strongbox to the king and there's now an order for Orgon's arrest. Valere tries to help Orgon leave with a carriage and ten thousand in gold. (194-5).
• Tartuffe confronts Orgon and tells him he's having him arrested. Tartuffe still acts like a victim and as if he's the correct one between the two of them. "It's all for heaven's sake. (195).
• The Exempt tells Tartuffe that he's arresting him, not Orgon. The Exempt tells Orgon they have a king who sees into men's hearts and that hypocrites do not get far. The king didn't believe a thing Tartuffe said. He's aware that Tartuffe abused Orgon's friendship and faith among other things. The king wants to end Orgon's worries about aiding his old friend and pardon him. "He remembers good longer than the bad." (196-197).
• Orgon was going to begin saying bad things to Tartuffe, but Cleante told Orgon not to sink to his level. (197)
• They all agree to go visit the great king and thank him for his generosity. Then they will come back and prepare Mariane's marriage with Valere. (197).