Tartuffe Religion Quotes

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

Orgon:
"He lost his fortune, as he says himself,
Because he cared for Heaven alone, and so
Was careless of his interests here below.
I mean to get him out of his present straits
And help him to recover his estates – " (2.2.17)

Orgon a) doesn't seem to think there's anything suspicious about Tartuffe's story, and b) doesn't think it's strange for a man of God to suddenly become interested in worldly wealth. Sometimes it seems like Orgon doesn't think at all.

Quote #5

Elmire:
"I see: you care for nothing here below."

Tartuffe:
"Ah, well – my heart's not made of stone, you know."

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." (3.3.24-27)

Tartuffe is quite right: you can love heavenly things and earthly beauty. You just can't get away with loving someone's wife while telling everyone else they're constantly sinning. Also: pulchritude is the ugliest word for beauty out there.

Quote #6

Damis:
"It's high time that my father was undeceived,
And now I've prove that can't be disbelieved –
Proof that was furnished me by Heaven above." (3.4.3)

Considering how much pain and hypocrisy Damis has dealt with, it comes as no surprise that he considers his proof of Tartuffe's lechery to be Heaven sent. Unfortunately, the results of his plan aren't so divine.