In this video I’ll summarize the plot of Tartuffe in about 4 minutes and give you an analysis of the story. Okay, let’s get started with the introduction.
Act 1: The Family’s Concerns
The play opens in the home of Orgon, a wealthy man who has become completely devoted to Tartuffe, a supposedly pious and humble man whom he has taken in. Orgon’s family, particularly his wife Elmire and his brother-in-law Cléante, see through Tartuffe’s act and recognize him as a hypocrite and a fraud. However, Orgon refuses to listen to their concerns. Meanwhile, Orgon’s daughter, Mariane, is in love with Valère, but Orgon insists that she must marry Tartuffe instead. This decision shocks the family and sets the stage for conflict.
Act 2: Orgon’s Blind Devotion
Mariane is distraught at her father’s demand and confides in her maid, Dorine, who is outspoken and determined to help her. Dorine devises a plan to resist Orgon’s orders while keeping Mariane and Valère together. She tries to reason with Orgon, but his devotion to Tartuffe blinds him to any logic. Tartuffe, who has not yet appeared on stage, becomes the unseen force controlling the household, as Orgon prioritizes him over his own family.
Act 3: Tartuffe’s True Nature
When Tartuffe finally enters the play, he reveals his true character. Far from being a humble and religious man, he lusts after Elmire, Orgon’s wife. Elmire, realizing his deceit, plans to expose him. She arranges a private meeting with Tartuffe, during which he attempts to seduce her. However, before she can reveal this to Orgon, he arrives and refuses to believe anything negative about Tartuffe. Instead, Orgon intensifies his loyalty, giving Tartuffe legal ownership of his house and possessions.
Act 4: Elmire’s Plan
Elmire, determined to prove Tartuffe’s hypocrisy, sets a trap. She convinces Orgon to hide under a table while she meets with Tartuffe again. During their conversation, Tartuffe openly declares his desire for Elmire and insults Orgon behind his back. Finally seeing the truth with his own eyes, Orgon is horrified. He orders Tartuffe to leave the house, but it is too late—Tartuffe now legally owns the property and has the power to evict Orgon’s family.
Act 5: Justice is Served
Tartuffe, feeling confident in his power, orders Orgon and his family to leave. However, his scheme is ultimately undone when the King intervenes. Recognizing Tartuffe’s dishonesty, the King nullifies the legal documents and arrests Tartuffe instead. Orgon realizes his foolishness and reconciles with his family. Mariane is finally allowed to marry Valère, and the play ends with a sense of justice restored, though not without lessons learned about blind faith and deception.
Theme 1: Hypocrisy and Religious Manipulation
One of the central themes of Tartuffe is the danger of religious hypocrisy. Tartuffe pretends to be a pious and righteous man, but he uses his supposed morality to manipulate Orgon and gain power. Through this character, Molière critiques those who use religion as a tool for personal gain, warning against blind faith in appearances rather than true virtue. Orgon’s willingness to believe Tartuffe over his own family highlights how dangerous such hypocrisy can be when it goes unquestioned.
Theme 2: Reason vs. Blind Faith
Throughout the play, Orgon ignores logic and reason in favor of blind devotion to Tartuffe. His refusal to listen to his family, even when presented with evidence, illustrates how extreme faith without critical thinking can lead to disaster. In contrast, characters like Elmire, Cléante, and Dorine represent reason and skepticism, using intelligence and strategy to expose Tartuffe. Molière ultimately suggests that while faith and trust can be valuable, they must be guided by reason rather than blind obedience.