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
Tartuffe:
"The treasures of this world I quite despise;
Their specious glitter does not charm my eyes;
And if I have resigned my self to taking
The gift which my dear Brother insists on making,
I do so only, as he well understands,
Lest so much wealth fall into wicked hands" (4.1.6)
Tartuffe, ever the slippery one, can twist the act of inheriting a lot of money into a truly selfless act. Never mind that he doesn't even think of giving it to charity.
Quote #8
Tartuffe:
"Some joys, it's true, are wrong in Heaven's eyes;
Yet Heaven's not averse to compromise;
There is a science, lately formulated,
Whereby one's conscience may be liberated,
And any wrongful act you care to mention
May be redeemed by purity of intention." (4.5.13)
While Christians believe that sins can indeed be forgiven, Tartuffe's interpretation is less than orthodox. He seems to think that he can get away with anything – even if he knows it's wrong – as long as he does it with "pure intentions." Whatever that means.
Quote #9
Tartuffe:
"This house belongs to me, I'll have you know,
And I shall show you that you can't hurt me
by this contemptible conspiracy,
That those who cross me know not what they do,
And that I've means to expose and punish you,
Avenge offended Heaven, and make you grieve
That ever you dared order me to leave." (4.7.8)
Tartuffe seems to think he's God's messenger – or maybe even God himself. Even his language starts to sound biblical.