Tartuffe

Act I

Madame Pernelle is hastily leaving her son’s house, incensed by some of her family member’s treatment of their houseguest Tartuffe. While others try to argue that Tartuffe is a con man, who uses religion as a shield for his true nature, Madame Pernelle berates them, claiming that Tartuffe is a godly clergyman who is offended by sin. When everyone again tries to reason with her, Madame Pernelle exits, offended.

After she leaves, the family confers, discussing the fate of Orgon, the head of the family who deeply esteems Tartuffe. They are worried that Tartuffe has Orgon completely under his spell. Orgon’s son Damis and Dorine (the family’s loyal maid) ask Cleante, Orgon’s brother-in-law, to ask Orgon about the status of Mariane’s upcoming nuptials to Valere. They are worried that Orgon might be delaying the wedding. When Cleante asks Orgon about his plans for the wedding, Orgon tries to evade the conversation, and instead keeps extolling the many virtues of Tartuffe. Cleante