Tartuffe

The play opens in Paris, outside Orgon’s home. Elmire, Orgon’s wife, converses with his mother, Madame Pernelle, who is in a hurry to leave because she cannot endure the “perfect pandemonium” of her son’s house. Madame Pernelle has a stern reproach for all present, including Elmire, Elmire’s maid Dorine, Elmire’s brother Cleante, and Elmire’s stepchildren Damis and Mariane. Damis is the first to mention “Tartuffe,” the name of Orgon’s friend who is staying with them. This mention elicits a positive exclamation from Madame Pernelle and negative feelings from Dorine and Damis. Dorine labels Tartuffe “nothing but a hypocrite” (15), while Madame Pernelle describes him as a “holy man.” Dorine laments how Tartuffe does not let anyone visit the house and suggests that he is jealous of Elmire. Madame Pernelle takes Tartuffe’s side, suggesting that it’s best to remain private as neighbors gossip about what they see. She leaves the house with her servant Flipotte, exclaiming that she “shan’t set foot in it again” (20).