Tartuffe

Damis arrives and is hot-tempered about Tartuffe’s awful behavior against his father’s generosity. He says, “I’ll chop his ears off for him” (145). As with Orgon, Cleante must now remind Damis to approach the situation calmly rather than violently.

Madame Pernelle, Elmire, Dorine, and Mariane arrive. Madame Pernelle is astounded by the news, and Orgon laments how Tartuffe turned on him after all the kindness Orgon bestowed upon him. Orgon now tries to convince his mother that he witnessed Tartuffe’s shame first-hand, but Madame has a tough time believing it, saying, “Seeing shouldn’t always be believing” (149). Dorine makes note of the irony—how Orgon cannot convince his mother of Tartuffe’s true self just as the family couldn’t convince Orgon of the truth earlier. Cleante interrupts to point out how important it is for them to take action. He believes Tartuffe could make life very problematic for Orgon and wishes a peace of sorts could take place between them. 

A new character, Mr. Loyal, appears, asking for the “master of the house” (152). He claims that his visit contains positive news. Tartuffe has sent Mr. Loyal. Cleante advises Orgon to calmly talk to Mr. Loyal and find out what Tartuffe wants. Orgon approaches Mr. Loyal and discovers he’s a court bailiff who once served his father. Mr. Loyal then says Orgon and his family must vacate the house and remove the furniture. Damis jumps in with some unkind words for Mr. Loyal, who asks Orgon to silence his son. Mr. Loyal goes on to say that he gives the family until tomorrow to leave the premises and will provide strong men to help them clear out. He hopes his kindness and familiarity with Orgon’s father have softened the blow of his news. Orgon feels the urge to give “one good square one on his snout” (159), and Damis and Dorine feel a similar urge. Cleante asks Mr. Loyal for the paper with the orders and tells him to leave.

Madame Pernelle admits to her astonishment at what Tartuffe has done. Dorine responds sarcastically to Orgon about Tartuffe’s positive intentions. Orgon responds that she needs to be silent. Elmire suggests to Cleante and Orgon that they try to expose Tartuffe in order to “invalidate the contract” (161).

Valère arrives with unpleasant news he has heard from a friend. Tartuffe visited the prince of France with the box to accuse Orgon of harboring the secrets of Argas, a “state-criminal.” An officer is on his way to arrest Orgon. Valère offers a getaway to a place where Orgon can be safe. 

Tartuffe intercepts Orgon and tells him he must stay to be arrested. Tartuffe remains steadfast in his loyalty to the prince and says he must do his civic duty. Cleante questions Tartuffe about his timing—that he chose to wait to reveal this secret only when Orgon found him flirting with his wife. Tartuffe defers to the officer, who, in a surprise twist, begins to arrest Tartuffe. The officer reveals in a lengthy monologue that “the art of hypocrites cannot deceive” the prince (168). Tartuffe has a long history of crimes along with a sense of ingratitude that made the prince perceive the truth of his character. The officer declares that Orgon is pardoned for the secrecy of his friend’s papers and that his gift of estate to Tartuffe is no longer valid. The prince remembers Orgon’s actions on behalf of his country. The family exclaims much happiness, and Orgon wants to let out his anger at Tartuffe, as the officer leads him away.

Cleante begs Orgon to hold his temper and instead encourages him to visit the prince to show his gratitude. Orgon agrees with Cleante and adds that upon his return, they can all celebrate the long-awaited wedding between Valère and Mariane.