Tartuffe

by

Molière

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Tartuffe: Act 3, Scene 4 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Enraged beyond endurance, Damis springs out of the closet and declares that if Elmire will not tell Orgon of Tartuffe’s treachery, then he will. Elmire explains to him that a good wife ignores such foolishness in order not to upset her husband, but Damis refuses to listen to her, his hate for Tartuffe and his need for vengeance interfering with his better judgment.
Elmire followed a careful, rational plan to allow her to exchange her silence regarding Tartuffe’s proposition of her for Tartuffe’s refusal to marry Mariane. The emotional Damis wrecks it.
Themes
Reason vs. Emotion Theme Icon
Family and Fathers Theme Icon
Quotes