How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Richard Wilbur's translation.
Quote #7
Damis:
"Too long he's meddled in my father's affairs,
Thwarting my marriage-hopes, and poor Valère's.
It's high time that my father was undeceived,
And now I've proof that cant be disbelieved – " (3.4.3)
Although Tartuffe is mainly guilty of hypocrisy and self-righteousness, it's his meddling with the marriage of Valère and Mariane that really gets him into trouble.
Quote #8
Damis:
"But I shall not make terms with brazen lechery,
And feel that not to tell you [Orgon] would be treachery."
Elmire:
"And I hold that one's husband's peace of mind
Should not be spoiled by tattle of this kind.
One's honor doesn't require it: to be proficient
In keeping men at bay is quite sufficient." (3.5.1-2)
Like Dorine, Elmire treats the subject of marriage in an unconventional manner. Her idea of fidelity and trust does not involve total openness and full disclosure.
Quote #9
Orgon
"Well said: let's go at once and, gladly kneeling,
Express the gratitude which all are feeling.
Then, when that first great duty has been done,
We'll turn with pleasure to a second one,
And give Valère, whose love has proven so true,
The wedded happiness which is his due." (5.7.26)
Like many traditional comedies, Tartuffe ends with a marriage. It's important to note that, even though things end happily, Orgon's language makes something very clear: Mariane is something that Valère has earned, a kind of present given to him for his service to Orgon.