Elmire attempts to confront the hypocritical holy man Tartuffe about her husband's plan to marry him to her step-daughter. However, Tartuffe uses the private meeting to drop his pious facade and aggressively pursue Elmire, attempting to seduce her with a sophisticated argument that his lust is merely an appreciation of God's handiwork.
ELMIRE: Thank you for those pious wishes. Now, let’s sit down and be a bit more comfortable.
TARTUFFE: Are you feeling somewhat better after your illness?
ELMIRE: Much better; the fever has broken.
TARTUFFE: My own prayers do not have enough merit to attract Heaven’s mercy, but I have not ceased pra
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More from Tartuffe
Act IV, Scene 5 — The Seduction of Elmire
from Tartuffe
Elmire attempts to expose Tartuffe's hypocrisy by baiting him into making a romantic advance while her husband, Orgon, hides nearby. Tartuffe reveals his true nature by justifying his lust through twisted religious logic.
Act III, Scene 3 — Tartuffe's Seduction of Elmire
from Tartuffe
The hypocritical religious fraud Tartuffe attempts to seduce Elmire, the wife of his benefactor. He uses twisted theological logic to justify his lustful advances, claiming that his attraction to her beauty is actually a form of worship toward the Creator.
Act I, Scene 5 — Cléante's Speech on Hypocrisy
from Tartuffe
Cléante delivers a sophisticated argument to his brother-in-law Orgon, distinguishing between genuine religious piety and the performative hypocrisy of Tartuffe. He warns that those who use faith as a weapon for personal gain are the most dangerous members of society.
Valère and Mariane's Lovers' Quarrel
from Tartuffe
Valère and Mariane engage in a stubborn and prideful argument after hearing that Mariane's father intends for her to marry the hypocrite Tartuffe. Their maid, Dorine, must intervene to stop their mutual posturing and force them to reconcile so they can plot to stop the wedding. The scene highlights the comedic absurdity of young love and the necessity of practical action over emotional drama.
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