Act 4 Summary

In this act, Cléante comes to speak with Tartuffe about the news around town. Cléante asks Tartuffe to pardon Damis' offense and not stand in the way of familial peace. Cléante speaks to Tartuffe about showing that he is a true Christian and encouraging Orgon to take his son back.

Tartuffe counters that he would be happy to see the father and son reunited, but that he is concerned about what people would think and feels he would have to leave the house, which would upset Orgon further. Cléante is fed up with Tartuffe's many "pious" excuses. Cléante's arguments are that God should be the one to punish the sinners, and that if Tartuffe were truly a charitable fellow, he would forgive Damis and wish to see him return home. Cléante further asks Tartuffe how receiving all...