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 #1
Damis:
"Sound him [Orgon] about my sister's wedding, pleas.
I think Tartuffe's against it, and that he's
Been urging Father to withdraw his blessing.
As you well know, I'd find that most distressing.
Unless my sister and Valère can marry,
My hopes to wed his sister will miscarry,
And I'm determined…" (1.3.3)
Damis makes it seem as though marriage is a rather political affair, a matter of making alliances. This isn't to say love isn't involved, of course.
Quote #2
Cléante:
"No, Brother, wait.
There's one more matter. You agreed of late
That young Valère might have your daughter's hand."
Orgon:
"I did."
…
Cléante:
"You've now postponed it; is that true?"
Orgon:
"No doubt."
Cléante:
"The match no longer pleases you?"
Once again, marriage is talked about in business-like terms. Their talk sounds a bit like a contract negotiation.
Quote #3
Mariane:
"You can't mean, Father…"
Orgon:
"Yes, Tartuffe shall be
Allied by marriage to this family,
And he's to be your husband, is that clear?
It's a father's privilege…" (2.1.24-25)
Again, there's talk of marriage as an alliance. More important, however, is Orgon's assertion of fatherly authority. Mariane and Valère may be bound together by love, but their bond is contingent upon Orgon's consent.