Tartuffe is a character in Moliere’s play “Tartuffe”. He teaches us not to judge books by their covers and portrays himself a pious person. But this was not his true nature. Orgon’s inability to see Tartuffe was the cause of the strained relationship between wife and her husband, sons and their fathers, and daughters and their fathers. Orgon was returning from a trip and asked Dorine Marianes maid what happened. Dorine replied that Elmire had been very sick. Orgon only asked, “What’s the matter with Tartuffe?” Elmire is also a good example of how Orgon does not care about his wife’s health. Orgon’s defense of Tartuffe is a result of Orgon not trusting Tartuffe. Tartuffe’s seduction of Elmire is another example. Tartuffe convinces Elmire to have an affair with her. They don’t have to be caught to sin. He is convinced that they are the only people who know about his affair. Orgon dismissed the accusations by saying, “He guides us and protects my honor.” He watches over my wife. Tells me what he observes. Sees more than I did.
Orgon, in spite of Tartuffe’s deception, continues to include Tartuffe into the family. Orgon had an idea and set off to find Mariane, his daughter. Once he located her, he began to ask questions like, “What’s your opinion of Tartuffe?” “What do you think of him?” Mariane answered, “You’re not serious, Father …’. Orgon started to explain his thoughts to Mariane. Then, his words became demands. “Yes, Tartuffe must be united by marriage with this family. He is your husband. It is a privilege of the father …’. Mariane, knowing that she was not one who would defy his father, would make sure to do everything he asked. However, she had been promised to a different man. Orgon said Tartuffe’s a better match than Valere. Mariane was not interested in marrying Tartuffe as she recognized his treacherous character. Damis watched the entire scene in which Tartuffe was seducing Elmire. Tartuffe couldn’t have done anything to escalate the conflict. Damis told his father Tartuffes presence was toxic when Orgon came home. Orgon was blinded by Tartuffes slander. Tartuffe told Orgon: “‘Yes, Brother, I’m wicked,’ I feared. A wretched man, all depraved & twisted. The worst villain to ever exist. […] Believe what you are being told, and send Tartuffe on his way. Orgon shouts at Damis, “You deceitful child, how dare ye try to stain his innocence with such a foul lie?” Orgon disowns Damis in front of his family.
Tartuffe shows his audience that a book’s cover is not always the best indicator of its content. Tartuffe presented himself as an honest and holy man when he was actually using the church to trick Orgon and his parents. Orgons wife and children saw through Tartuffes façade, and they did not stop trying to reveal the true nature of this “Holy Man” Tartuffe.