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:
"Cover that bosom, girl. The flesh is weak,
And unclean thoughts are difficult to control.
Such sights as that can undermine the soul."
Dorine:
"Your soul, it seems, has very poor defenses,
And flesh makes quite an impact on your senses." (3.2.7-8)
Tartuffe's own piety and knowledge of sin springs from his inability to avoid impure thoughts.
Quote #8
Tartuffe:
"I know such words sound strangely, coming from me,
But I'm no angel, nor was meant to be,
And if you blame my passion, you must needs
Reproach as well the charms on which it feeds." (3.3.29)
As with Dorine, Tartuffe blames his own sinful thoughts on others, despite the fact that they are unaware of having any such effect.
Quote #9
Tartuffe:
"I know, dear lady, that your exceeding charity
Will lead your heart to pardon my temerity;
That you'll excuse my violent affection
As human weakness, human imperfection;" (3.3.31)
Tartuffe justifies his actions by claiming that they're simply human nature; mankind, he suggests, is inherently sinful or "imperfect," and so he can't be blamed for his error.