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 #4
Dorine:
"It's hard to be a faithful wife, in short,
To certain husbands of a certain sort,
And he who gives his daughter to a man she hates
Must answer for her sins at Heaven's gate." (2.2.30)
Dorine takes an ethical situation that seems straightforward – "thou shalt not commit adultery" is one of the Ten Commandments – and suddenly calls the conventional interpretation into question.
Quote #5
Elmire:
"All your desires mount heavenward, I'm sure,
In scorn of all that's earthly and impure."
Tartuffe:
"A love of heavenly things does not preclude
A proper love for earthly pulchritude.
Our senses are quite rightly captivated
By perfect works our Maker has created." (3.3.27)
Once again, it seems as though there's truth to what Tartuffe said; taken out of context, his statement is perfectly moral. When you add adultery to the mix, well…that's a whole different story.
Quote #6
Cléante:
"Assuming, then, that you have been ill-used
By young Damis, and groundlessly accused,
Ought not a Christian to forgive, and ought
He not stifle every vengeful thought?" (4.1.1)
Cléante points out to Tartuffe that he's not acting particularly Christian. After all, he seems to be ignoring the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.