Tartuffe

by

Molière

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Tartuffe: Act 3, Scene 7 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
With Damis gone, Tartuffe calls Orgon “brother,” and tells him how deeply it hurts when someone tries to slander him “in my dear Brother’s eyes.” He tells Orgon that the wickedness of men makes him physically ill, and even “close to death.” At this, Orgon begins to weep and almost runs out the door to beat his son.
Alone with Orgon, Tartuffe continues his pious act, playing on Orgon’s emotion in order to cement their alliance, and drive the family further apart. Wholly without reason or common sense, Orgon is completely at Tartuffe’s mercy.
Themes
Hypocrisy Theme Icon
Reason vs. Emotion Theme Icon
Religion, Piety, and Morals Theme Icon
Family and Fathers Theme Icon
Tartuffe says that he would rather leave the house than create further discord, but Orgon begs him to stay. Tartuffe then warns Orgon that his family will continue to plot against him, making sure to mention that Elmire in particular may say slanderous things about him.
Tartuffe’s manipulation continues as he attempts to ensure that Orgon will ignore his family’s warnings.
Themes
Hypocrisy Theme Icon
Reason vs. Emotion Theme Icon
Family and Fathers Theme Icon
Continuing his tactic of reverse psychology, Tartuffe tells Orgon that from now on he will stay far away from Elmire to avoid any impropriety. Orgon replies that he wishes to spite his family by making Tartuffe and Elmire spend time together “day and night.” He goes on, saying that in order to upset his family even more, he will make Tartuffe his heir, signing away all of his lands and property that very day. This, he says, will prove that he cares more for his friend and future son-in-law than for any of his blood kin. The two exit together to draw up the deed.
Orgon falls right into Tartuffe’s trap, so enraged against his own family that he disastrously decides to give Tartuffe everything that he owns. The audience can see how catastrophic this decision is, but Orgon is utterly blinded by Tartuffe’s deception, and his own emotions.
Themes
Hypocrisy Theme Icon
Reason vs. Emotion Theme Icon
Religion, Piety, and Morals Theme Icon
Family and Fathers Theme Icon