Tartuffe Sin 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

Dorine:
"When there's a chance for libel, they never miss it;
When something can be made to seem illicit
They're off at once to spread the joyous news.
Adding to fact what fantasies they choose." (1.1.31)

Dorine points out that sin, which deserves to looked down upon, can be seen as a cause for celebration, depending on how you look at it.

Quote #5

Dorine:
"He [Tartuffe] ate his meal with relish,
And zealously devoured in her presence
A leg of mutton and a brace of pheasants." (1.4.10)

Don't forget: gluttony is one of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Quote #6

Orgon:
"And how austere he [Tartuffe] is! Why, he can detect
A mortal sin where you would least suspect;
In smallest trifles, he's extremely strict." (1.5.6)

According to Orgon, Tartuffe is a kind of sin detector, uncovering hidden wrongs all over the place; he thinks this is really great, too. Did he forget about the whole "judge not lest ye be judged" thing? Sure seems like it. Oh, and I think he forgot about this little tidbit from the Gospel of Matthew too: "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Matthew 7:3)