Tartuffe

by

Molière

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Tartuffe: Act 2, Scene 1 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Orgon finds his daughter Mariane and praises her for her obedience, though not before checking for eavesdroppers. Mariane is flattered by his praise, and replies that doing as her father says delights her. When Orgon asks her opinion of Tartuffe, his daughter asserts that she will say whatever her father wishes her to say; but when he tells her that he wishes her to marry Tartuffe, Mariane grows hesitant and upset, unable to believe that her father would truly give her to Tartuffe.
Mariane is the “ideal” daughter—docile, tractable, and modest. Yet even she finds it difficult to obey her father when he makes his odious request. It is also worth noting how the behavior of the ideal daughter gives total power over her to her father. A foolish father can therefore have a devastating impact.
Themes
Religion, Piety, and Morals Theme Icon
Family and Fathers Theme Icon