Tartuffe

Act I opens with Madame Pernelle loudly criticizing her family's household, finding fault with everyone's behavior and dress, and particularly praising the pious Tartuffe, a man whom she believes can guide them to salvation. Her family members defend themselves and express their disapproval of Tartuffe, whom they see as a hypocrite. Dorine, a maid, particularly despises him, accusing him of hypocrisy and being a beggar who has forgotten his past. Cleante attempts to reason with Madame Pernelle about the nature of gossip, but she remains obstinate. The act concludes with Cleante and Dorine discussing Orgon, Madame Pernelle's son, who has become completely devoted to Tartuffe, showering him with affection and prioritizing him over his family. Dorine reveals that Tartuffe, despite his piety, is cunningly exploiting Orgon for financial gain and has even instructed his own servant to preach to the household. Act II begins with Orgon questioning his daughter Mariane about her thoughts on Tartuffe. To Mariane's dismay, Orgon reveals his intention to marry her to Tartuffe. Mariane is horrified and protests, but Orgon is determined. Dorine, who had been eavesdropping, tries to dissuade Orgon, arguing that Tartuffe is unsuitable for Mariane and that such a marriage would lead to misery and infidelity. Orgon dismisses her concerns, praising Tartuffe's piety and claiming that his son-in-law's poverty only elevates his spiritual stature. He also reveals he is reconsidering Mariane's engagement to Valere, citing Valere's alleged lack of piety. Mariane, though distressed, initially agrees to obey her father, but Dorine encourages her to resist. When Valere arrives, he and Mariane engage in a heated, sarcastic exchange, each pretending to accept the marriage to Tartuffe as a way to provoke the other. Dorine intervenes, realizing their pride is hindering their genuine love, and engineers a reconciliation. She devises a plan to delay the marriage by feigning illnesses or omens, emphasizing that Mariane cannot be forced to marry without her consent. Act III opens with Damis, Mariane's brother, determined to confront Tartuffe. Dorine reluctantly agrees to let Damis hide and overhear a private conversation between Tartuffe and Elmire, Orgon's wife. Tartuffe, after instructing his servant Laurent to lie about his whereabouts, receives Elmire. He immediately tries to seduce her, confessing his inappropriate desires and trying to justify them by claiming that divine love does not preclude earthly affections. Elmire, feigning acceptance, tries to subtly warn him and learn his true intentions. Tartuffe’s advances become more explicit, with him touching her inappropriately, but Elmire remains composed. She probes his intentions regarding Mariane's marriage, and Tartuffe, though initially claiming disinterest, eventually admits his attraction to Elmire and suggests their affair would be discreet, unlike the open affairs of courtly gallants. Elmire, increasingly disgusted, continues to play along, hoping to expose him. Damis, overhearing this, bursts from his hiding place, furious and determined to reveal Tartuffe's hypocrisy to his father. Elmire tries to dissuade him, but Damis insists on confronting Orgon immediately. In Act III, Scene V, Damis reveals Tartuffe's attempted seduction of Elmire to Orgon. Orgon, despite witnessing the attempted seduction and hearing Tartuffe's confession, chooses to believe Tartuffe's claims of innocence and repentance, accusing Damis of malicious slander. In a shocking turn, Orgon disinherits Damis and banishes him from the house, declaring his unwavering support for Tartuffe and intending to hasten his marriage to Mariane. Tartuffe, feigning humility and forgiveness, further manipulates Orgon into believing he should leave the household due to the family's hatred, but Orgon insists he stay and even declares his intention to give Tartuffe his entire estate. Act IV begins with Cleante attempting to reason with Tartuffe, urging him to forgive Damis and restore him to his father's good graces. Tartuffe, however, feigns piety, claiming he would forgive Damis but fears the scandal of cohabitation. He also deceitfully claims that his acceptance of Orgon's estate is not for personal gain but to protect it from misuse. Cleante sees through Tartuffe's ruses and is disgusted by his hypocrisy. Meanwhile, Elmire, Mariane, and Dorine are discussing how to deal with Tartuffe. Elmire proposes a plan: she will pretend to consent to Tartuffe's advances and lure him into a compromising situation where Orgon can witness his true nature. Orgon, initially skeptical, agrees to hide under a table to observe. Tartuffe, blinded by his lust and arrogance, falls into Elmire's trap. He makes increasingly explicit advances, revealing his true depravity. As he prepares to embrace Elmire, Orgon emerges from hiding, finally convinced of Tartuffe's villainy. Orgon demands Tartuffe leave, but Tartuffe, citing a deed of gift Orgon had previously signed, claims ownership of the house and threatens Orgon with legal action. Act V opens with Orgon regretting his past actions and trusting Tartuffe with sensitive papers, which Tartuffe has now used to his advantage. Valere arrives with news that Tartuffe has accused Orgon of treason to the Prince and has secured an arrest warrant. Valere offers to help Orgon escape. As Orgon is about to flee, Tartuffe appears with a police officer, intending to arrest Orgon. However, the tables are dramatically turned when the officer reveals that Tartuffe is the one being arrested. The Prince, having seen through Tartuffe's hypocrisy, recognized his treachery and past crimes. Tartuffe is taken away, and Orgon's estate is returned to him. The play concludes with Orgon expressing remorse for his gullibility and embracing true virtue, and the family celebrating their deliverance and arranging the marriage of Mariane and Valere.