Curated set · answers marked
Who ends up saving Orgon's family from disaster at the conclusion of Tartuffe?
Rationale
In a pivotal moment of the play, a royal officer shows up and reveals that the King has recognized Tartuffe's true criminal behavior and ordered his arrest, thus rescuing Orgon and his family from losing their home and freedom.
What is the main reason Orgon refuses to see Tartuffe as a hypocrite and fraud, even when his own family presents evidence?
Rationale
Throughout the play, Orgon is completely captivated by Tartuffe's act of religious devotion, leading him to dismiss warnings from his wife Elmire, his son Damis, and others as mere jealousy or moral weakness. His obsession with Tartuffe's pretended holiness illustrates Molière's satirical critique of religious hypocrisy and blind faith.
What is Tartuffe's primary role in Orgon's household at the beginning of the play?
Rationale
Tartuffe is presented as a seemingly pious man that the naive Orgon has welcomed into his home as a spiritual advisor and esteemed guest. Orgon's devotion to Tartuffe grows to the point where he places him above his own family, laying the groundwork for Tartuffe's hypocritical manipulation throughout the story.