Act 2 Summary

The second act begins with Orgon speaking to his daughter, Mariane. At the beginning of the conversation, Dorine eavesdrops, unobserved. Orgon tells Mariane that he is happy that she has always been an obedient daughter, and Mariane responds that she shall try to always do what her father wishes. Orgon then asks her what she thinks of their houseguest, Tartuffe. Mariane doesn't know how to respond, as she detests the man, but wishes to please her father with her answer. Orgon tells her that he would like her to say that she is in love with Tartuffe, and would be happy to marry him, as her father desires. Mariane has trouble admitting this untruth, even to please her father.

At this point, Orgon finds Dorine hiding in the room. Dorine treats the subject of Mariane marrying Tartuffe as a joke. Dorine tells Mariane...